John 'Langton' Fitzgerald leaves lasting legacy after unwavering commitment to Ringmahon Rangers

This week, Ringmahon Rangers lost more than a founding member. They lost a mentor, a leader, a father figure, and, above all, a dear friend. 

John Fitzgerald – more affectionately and widely known as Langton passed away in the early hours of Friday morning, and the outpouring of emotion that followed says everything about the man he was.

For those involved with Ringmahon Rangers — particularly anyone over the age of 20 — John’s presence has been a constant. His love, commitment, and the lasting impact he made on generation after generation of players, coaches, and committee members is immeasurable.

He was more than just part of the club. He was the club.

A founding member back in 1951, John dedicated over 50 years as secretary — an extraordinary run of service that saw him become one of the most respected football administrators not just in Cork, but across the country. 

LEGACY

In the proud 74-year history of Ringmahon Rangers, there have only ever been two secretaries: John, and his son, Sean, who seamlessly took over the reins in 2012. That fact alone tells you everything about the legacy John built and the values he instilled.

His passing has left a huge void in the Mahon community. The heartbreak felt by his family — his beloved wife Angela, children Sean, Kieran and Sinead, his grandchildren, and extended family — is shared by everyone connected to the club. Chairman Paul Higgins, like so many others, counted John as a guiding light — someone whose steady presence and wisdom shaped his own journey within the club.

“On Thursday evening, as our senior squad made its way to a match against St Mary’s, word reached us that John had been taken seriously ill. Just hours later, the message none of us wanted to receive arrived,” said Higgins. 

A man who meant so much to so many — gone. But John’s story cannot be summed up in sorrow. His life was a testament to what it means to serve something bigger than yourself.

“As a player, John was central to one of the most storied periods in Ringmahon’s history — part of the legendary side that won seven Munster Senior League titles in a row from 1964 to 1971. It was a run that helped define the club’s identity and set a standard for all who followed.

“Yet it was off the pitch where his true greatness shone brightest. For over 20 years, John managed every underage side from U11 to U16, shaping the lives of countless young footballers. For many, meeting outside the Garda station across from his family home in The Orchard became part of the weekly routine. It wasn’t just where football started — it was where lifelong values were passed on.

His home became a hub for football life. People would knock on his door at all hours — sometimes to check a match time, sometimes to seek advice, and often just to chat. 

"Angela’s patience in those moments did not go unnoticed. John had a unique gift with words, helping others express themselves in letters and documents, often elevating a simple request into something heartfelt and sincere.

“As Ringmahon evolved, so too did John’s role. He was instrumental in driving forward major developments like the expansion of Ringmahon Park and the addition of a second pitch — projects that ensured the club’s facilities matched its ambitions.

Even after stepping down as secretary in 2012, he'd still pop down when he could, especially to watch his granddaughter Ailbhe wear the Ringmahon colours with pride — a legacy now carried on by the next generation of Fitzgeralds.

“John spent his final years in care, visited regularly by devoted friends like John Deasy and Terry Cummins. News of the club’s success always reached him. In fact, after big wins, it became a tradition for players to pass the cup to Sean, who would take it up to John — a quiet but powerful tribute to the man who helped lay the foundation for it all.

"We didn’t quite get to bring home a national trophy before his passing — something both Sean and I wished for deeply — but we came close. What matters more is that John knew how far we had come, and how strong the club he helped build still stands.

"His individual accolades reflect his immense contribution: Inducted into the FAI and AUL Hall of Fame, honoured by the Munster Senior League and the Cork Sporting Hall of Fame, and recipient of the CSL Administrator of the Year award. But ask anyone what John was most proud of, and it wasn’t the titles or the honours. It was the people — the community he helped build from a small group of friends in Blackrock and Dunlocha Cottages, including the Hayes and O’Leary families, into the proud and thriving club we see today.” 

As former chairman David O’Donoghue said: “John gave his life to this club — not just his time, but his heart and soul. A true gentleman on and off the pitch.” 

Former player and current U12 coach Mark Horgan echoed those sentiments: “Langton was the heart and soul of Ringmahon. His passion was unmatched. His legacy will live on forever.” 

The Fitzgerald name runs through the veins of Ringmahon Rangers — not just in the names on teamsheets, but in the values they hold. His niece Maria manages the U19 team. His nephews coach. His grandchildren now fill the academy ranks.

And his spirit? It’s in every pass, every goal, every child who pulls on the red and black.

John 'Langton' Fitzgerald. A one-club man. A gentle giant. A legend.

Ringmahon will never forget you.