Kieran Fitzgerald hungry for more Connacht success with Corofin

Gerry Burke, father of All-Star Galway hurler Daithí, was 39 years young when Corofin landed the All-Ireland club title in 1998. Kieran Fitzgerald turns 37 in January. Fitzgerald is unsure if the legs will allow him match the longevity of that other Corofin stalwart. As it is, he’s plenty mileage on the clock.

At Tuam Stadium on Sunday, Fitzgerald will line out in the Corofin full-back line for what will be his ninth Connacht club final. To give you an idea of just how long he’s been on the road, he was midfield on the Corofin team which fell to Crossmolina in the 2000 provincial decider. Stephen Rochford was corner-back for the winners that afternoon. Rochford served as Corofin manager when Fitzgerald finally got his hands on the Andy Merrigan Cup some 15 years later.

Fitzgerald’s workload is lighter these days, the 36-year old spending as much time on the rowing machine and bike than he does on the field. He knows to be smart in managing his schedule, surgeries on his ankle, groin, and hip heightening his awareness of the need to mind himself more and more.