Football Association of Ireland President Gerry McAnaney has led the tributes to former President and Honorary Life Vice-President Tony Fitzgerald who passed away on Sunday in his native Cork, surrounded by his loving family.Tony served as President of the FAI from 2014 to 2018 and paying tribute, Gerry McAnaney said: “Tony was a true football man from the day he was born to the day of his death on Sunday in his beloved Cork, Tony was a friend throughout his long life to all who cared about Irish football.“A native of Ballyphehane, Tony served his sport as player, mentor and official with Ballyphehane City, Blues United, Bridewell, Wembley and Casement Celtic before holding office with the Cork AUL and the Munster FA for over 40 years.“As chair of the FAI Youths Committee, Tony was proud to be at the helm when Brian Kerr guided Ireland to the European Under 18 Championships title in Cyprus on that memorable day in 1998.“The success he enjoyed as an administrator with the Cork AUL, the Munster FA and the FAI Youths Committee did not go unnoticed and in the summer of 2014, Tony was elected President of the FAI in succession to Paddy McCaul, a role that Tony served with total commitment and dedication for four years.
The FAI is saddened to learn of the passing of former President and Honorary Life Vice-President Tony Fitzgerald. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/cI6vXMQFPz
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) August 20, 2023
“To Tony’s family in Cork and further afield, to his many friends throughout Ireland and abroad, may I offer the deepest sympathies of all involved with the FAI and with our game wherever it is played. We have lost a great football man with Tony’s passing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis.”Tony Fitzgerald’s memory was honoured at the Cork City v Waterford FC FAI Cup game at Turners Cross last night, August 21st, and this will also happen at the upcoming European Championship game between the Republic of Ireland and The Netherlands at the Aviva Stadium next month.
