Even on the sidelines, Maurice Fitzgerald is making his mark

He’ll still line out when the need requires, as was evidenced by his cameo appearance during St Marys’ Division 2 league game against Gneeveguilla in early December, but for some time now Maurice Fitzgerald has been swayed by the “natural pull” of management.

First, the St Mary’s U12s. The U14s followed, graduating then to the minor set-up for a three-year spell. The position of intermediate manager presented itself in 2014 and the Kerry legend didn’t need to be asked twice.

Stellar clubmen Kieran McCarthy, Christy O’Connell, Paddy Reidy, and Junior Murphy had made a lasting impression on a young Fitzgerald through the endless hours of service given on the local field in Cahersiveen. As much as he’d love to be lining out alongside Bryan Sheehan and the Daly brothers at GAA HQ this afternoon, Fitzgerald realises the importance of giving back.