Laois captain Fitzpatrick in fitness battle for All-Ireland race

FORMER Laois captain Kevin Fitzpatrick is expected to be fit in time for the county’s All-Ireland Championship campaign this summer after undergoing surgery on a groin injury last Monday.

The Portlaoise clubman has been carrying the injury for the best part of two years now and has yet to figure for the county in this year’s National League.

Fitzpatrick was due to have the problem operated on last March after his club lost the All-Ireland final to Ballina, but he decided against going it as he was nominated as county captain for the 2005 season.