County joy at last for Fitzpatrick, 46

Aidan Fitzpatrick exemplifies persistence, the strongest advocate of the old proverb ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again’ you are likely to encounter.

Some 46 years young and in his 31st season on the Cootehill Celtic hurling team, Fitzpatrick’s long wait for a Cavan senior hurling medal came to an end on Sunday.

The father of three captained Cootehill to a 5-7 to 1-6 replay victory over Ballymachugh at Kingspan Breffni Park, contributing 1-0 from full-forward.