Eamonn Fitzpatrick was one of the greatest Barrs hurlers ever

It was with deep sadness that St Finbarr’s Hurling and Football Club announced the death of the great Eamonn Fitzpatrick, who died peacefully surrounded by his family at his residence on Sunday.

After finishing his primary education at Greenmount NS (College on the Hill) Eamonn went to Coláiste Chríost Rí where in 1968, starring in both codes, he won Harty Cup and Corn Uí Mhuire medals and subsequently, the All-Ireland Hogan Cup title. 

The following year he captained the Cork minor football team that beat Derry in the  All-Ireland final.  

As a dual U21 player, Eamonn won consecutive All-Ireland U21 FC medals in 1970 and 1971, as well as an All-Ireland U21 HC medal in 1971.

He won a Cork SHC medal with UCC in 1970. 

However, he missed the final as he was recuperating after an operation for appendicitis. 

Eamonn had more joy when helping College to consecutive Fitzgibbon Cup victories in 1971 and ’72.

Eamonn was back with his beloved Barrs in 1974 and he marked his return by starring on the side which defeated Blackrock in a thrilling senior hurling championship final. 

He went on to win six further counties between 1977 and 1988 and celebrated again when the Blues triumphed over the Fenians and Rathnure in the All-Ireland Club Championship final in 1975 and ’78 respectively. 

He also collected two county senior football championship medals in 1976 and ’79 when Barrs defeated St Michael’s and Castlehaven respectively. With Cork, Eamonn won national hurling league and Oireachtas medals.

A more passionate or lionhearted player would be almost impossible to find. 

With Fitzy on your side no task was hopeless. 

From the day he first burst on the scene as a juvenile with the Barrs his trademark was an indomitable spirit which drove the Barrs to many stirring victories. 

There were very many highlights throughout Eamonn’s illustrious career and I’ve selected just two, - one from the Munster club replay v Six mile in 1975 and the other from the Harty Cup win over Limerick CBS in 1968. 

In the club championship the Echo extract read: “Eamonn Fitzpatrick was fouled when thundering towards goal and the resultant penalty was smashed home by Allen. 

"Then receiving from JBM, Fitzy was unstoppable as he hared past a beleaguered defence to crash home a goal which left the Blues leading 2-3 to 0-5. 

"After the interval Six mile’s morale was shattered by the stunning blow the ‘bearded’ dynamo Fitzpatrick inflicted on them.” 

Eamonn was one of fifteen stars on Harty Cup final day, Chriost Rí’s opponent Limerick CBS, like their county seniors in 2024, were going for five-in-a-row. 

Chriost Rí teachers Dick Tobin, Brs Bede and Pius were thought to be “away with the fairies” for even suggesting that the hurlers had Harty Cup aspirations. 

Yes, the Rebels like they did in 2024, ended Limerick’s dream. 

“Will o’ the wisp Eamonn Fitzpatrick in the right corner came up with his customary scores; Fitzy, being simply Fitzy, could never be denied and chipped in with two exquisite points.”

Eamonn was unique in many ways and is deservedly acclaimed as one of the Barr’s greats and the sympathy of the club was passed on to his family by the Barrs chairman Denis Bohane.  

"On behalf of the members of our club I extend our deepest sympathy to Hannah, Eoin, Aoife, Aidan, Tríona and the extended Fitzpatrick family on their sad loss. 

"Solas na bhFlaitheas go raibh ag Eamonn."