Background
Dick was born at 15 College Street, Killarney on October 2, 1882.
Dick was born at 15 College Street, Killarney on October 2, 1882.
Fitzgerald captained Kerry to back-to-back All-Ireland titles in 1913 and 1914
His introduction to competitive football occurred during his studies in Saint Brendan"s College, Killarney, where his football technique and ability became apparent. Fitzgerald played with Kerry against Kildare in the 1903 All-Ireland final, winning the championship after three previous encounters. He also took part in the Croke Memorial, which pitted Kerry against Louth.
This game went to a replay with Kerry winning it at Jones Road.
lieutenant was the first time a four-figure sum was received for a match and with this money the G.A.A purchased Croke Park in Dublin. Fitzgerald captained the two winning teams of 1913 and 1914 against Wexford but retired from the game after Kerry"s defeat in 1915 against the same opposition.
After the Easter Rising he was held in detention at Frongoch internment camp in Wales. Whilst there, he organised Gaelic football matches.
He later wrote a book on Gaelic football entitled How to play Gaelic football which was the first of its kind in the organisation.
After retiring from play, he continued in the administrative side of the organisation. He became representative to the Central Council 1917, Kerry selector 1918, and delegate to Congress 1919. He served on the Munster Council from 1920 until his death.
He was the first chairman of the East Kerry Board and also Chairman of Doctor Crokes Gaelic Athletic Association Club.
In 1929 he was appointed a special vice-chairman of the Kerry Selection Committee without a vote, in appreciation of his service to the county. On September 26, 1930 Fitzgerald died following injuries sustained when falling from the roof of the Killarney courthouse.
The circumstances of his death were never fully explained but it was claimed that he was drinking heavily at the time. Immediately after his death the Doctor Croke Club began a campaign to develop a field in his honour.
Following several years of fundraising, Fitzgerald Stadium opened in May 1936.
He played Gaelic football with his local club Doctor Crokes in Killarney, and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1903 until 1923. Dick was also a member of Killarney Urban District Council from 1917 until his death.