Getting trainer Fitzpatrick on board was 'a major coup'
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Tuesday February 16 2010
RESPECTED ' Sunday Tribune' Gaelic Games Editor Kieran Shannon, also a qualified Sports Psychologist, recently wrote that nowadays it the Seanie McGrath's, Cian O'Neill's, Gerry Fitzpatrick's who win major titles.
He was writing in the context of the trouble and strife surrounding embattled managers Mike McNamara and Justin McCarthy and suggested that both old stages would have benefitted from the significant in-put of a McGrath, O'Neill or Fitzpatrick.
Delighted to report that the said Gerry Fitzpatrick is now part of Carlow's back-room team. 'Gerry was up with the lads a few times last year, liked what he saw and when he ended his involvement with Waterford I immediately approached him about coming on board,' revealed Carlow manager Kevin Ryan who soldiered with Fitzpatrick under Justin McCarthy, Ryan as selector, Fitz as physical trainer.
' He is with Waterford since 2004 and their physical condition improved hugely, that was his enduring legacy to them while his ability to ambush potential injuries before they happen a massive asset.
'He would go so far as to go for a run on the beach with Ken McGrath so as to keep an eye on his injury, that's the type of dedication he brings to his role.
' Twenty years a lecturer in Waterford IT, his background is Basketball, spent two years in USA, then came home to work as National Basketball Coach, major league,' says Ryan.
'Gerry and the Carlow players have been getting to know each other, the players are very impressed and Gerry is very happy with the response,' adds the manager who is also pleased that Ciaran Doyle of Bagenalstown, who has studied sports science, will be assisting Gerry Fitzpatrick in this vital area.
Fitzpatrick has been a guest speaker at several Coaching Symposiums, a man with a huge reputation and innovative ideas.
Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald declared at a Co Board meeting he was sorry to lose 'a special man,' while National Hurling Director Paudie Butler, upon hearing who Carlow had enlisted to do their physical work was surprised but delighted.
'How did ye get him? queried Butler aware that he was a much sought after man, a point underlined by Kevin Ryan.
'It's a major coup for Carlow, I know of Division 1 teams that were after him,'.
'We will be doing the same type if not better training as the Liam MacCarthy Cup teams,' enthuses the Carlow manager who again has Seamus Brennan (Naomh Brid) and Cyril Hughes as selectors, two men with a vast knowledge of Carlow hurling while Liam Corcoran continues as physio. Philly Flynn, last years physical trainer, has taken on the important task of managing the Carlow minor hurlers.
