Career

He played as a prop forward. He played for the Ireland team from 1984 to 1992, winning 34 caps, after making his debut in February 1984 against England in a 12-9 defeat at Twickenham. He played in two Rugby World Cups: 1987 and 1991.

He is the father of Irish International rugby player Luke Fitzgerald.

Achievements

• Des was also an excellent Gaelic Athletic Association football player and he won a schools final while playing for De Louisiana Salle Rathfarnham National School in Croke Park in 1968.