‘I know he wanted to walk up the aisle and that’s what he’s going to do’

Cork captain Donal Óg Cusack has paid an emotional tribute to fellow hurler Dessie Fitzgerald as the Charleville man today prepares to marry sweetheart Sarah McEvoy.

Fitzgerald, temporarily paralysed in a club match, has inspired thousands since going public in the Irish Examiner on his battle to recover from the freak injury which changed his life.

Today is another good day on the road to recovery as he swaps the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire for the Holy Cross Church in Charleville.

Cusack met Fitzgerald for the first time at Charleville’s annual social recently and presented the 29-year-old with medals following the club’s Cork and Munster Club Championship successes. The Cloyne man believes Fitzgerald is an example to the entire country.

“There are lots of people in this country after getting desperate knock-downs over the last few years from the financial situation. But I think Dessie is an inspirational example that while you might get a bad break in life, it’s not about getting knocked down, it’s about how you get up. This is a great day for him. I know that he wanted to walk up the aisle and le cúnamh Dé, that’s what he’s going to do.

“I think there’s very few people in his situation would be carrying the type of spirit and attitude. To not collapse psychologically given everything that has happened to him is an incredible testament to his character. But you only have to meet him and know that it’s not being put on, he is taking it on the chin and being very positive.”

Cusack said Fitzgerald’s story has touched the entire Cork senior hurling panel, particularly Niall McCarthy and John Gardiner, former teammates of Fitzgerald at underage level.

“We were very conscious that we should show solidarity with the guy. I know from talking to Niall Mac that Dessie is a serious, tough player. Every hurler is touched by that story and especially the lads in our dressing-room who would have played with him.”

The Cork squad will feature in a hurling challenge on Easter Monday, Apr 9, in Charleville, with all gate receipts going towards the Dessie Fitzgerald injury fund. A golf classic will also be held from Apr 10-13 for Fitzgerald.

“Myself and Jimmy (Barry-Murphy) would have spoken about Dessie, and we’re only delighted to play and it’s just about getting the right fixture now that could generate the biggest crowd,” he said.

“The Charleville club have been brilliant. When I was down there and was looking around, I was thinking this is everything that is good about the GAA. The whole thing has brought everyone together. What has happened to Dessie has inspired them to go on to do what they’ve done.”