Obituary: Edmond Fitzgerald (92) lived a life of true ‘delight’

The death has occurred of Edmond (Eddie/Lord Edward) Fitzgerald of Ballyvellon, Dunhill, Co. Waterford, formerly of Bawnacomera, Kinsalebeg, Co. Waterford.

Eddie was just days away from turning 93 before his passing. He lived a long and full life, in which he made the most of every day, living with a deep sense of purpose and commitment.

Born in Ardmore in 1931, he worked in Murray’s Cabinets in Youghal as a young man. He was a fond and skilled cabinet maker.

Eddie would eventually move to Waterford City, taking up a position in Arco Kitchens.

He married his beloved wife Kathleen in 1969, before becoming father to Pat in 1971 and Sinéad in 1973. 

The family would move to Dunhill in 1979, a place Eddie deeply cherished. Eddie and Kathleen enjoyed 36 years together, until Kathleen’s passing in 2005.

Eddie was a man of many nurtured talents and interests. He was involved in a number of lifelong hobbies, and he committed to them fully.

He was a keen horticulturalist, who supplied food and flowers for the table of his family and others in the community. The Waterford countryside where he resided for much of his life meant the world to him, illustrated through not only his fondness for gardening, but also his hobby as a beekeeper.

Beekeeping was a cherished pastime he shared closely with his family, where bonds were deepened through visits to his various beehives, which were nestled in the gardens of loved ones across the county.

Eddie was part of the furniture in more ways than one at Harney’s Pub in Dunhill. In addition to spending countless hours with friends and family at the pub, he also crafted much of its furniture in his younger years.

He adored Harney’s. It was a place to sing, to listen to music and to play cards. He was of such legend and repute that he was handed the name 'Lord Edward' by regulars.

A popular man, who was well-known amongst the trad scene in Dunhill, he loved the company of people, just as they loved the company of him. 

He sang often in Harney's in the trad music sessions that took place there and always had new songs for the community to enjoy. A trad session in his memory was held after his passing, attracting musicians from far and wide. 

He will be missed greatly by those who played alongside him and the regulars at Harney’s where his music once filled the air.

Eddie was a great man for the sport. He volunteered at club level for many years and took a keen interest in GAA, especially hurling.

Late in his life, he became president of Dunhill GAA club, an honour which acknowledged his years of service and commitment to the club. Local GAA representatives paid tribute to him with a Guard of Honour at his funeral.

Friends, neighbours and family knew him as a kind, gentle soul who was always enthusiastic and one of the nicest men you could ever hope to meet.

Loved ones expressed that Eddie's life was one of delight; he was delighted by things large and small.

"Delighted by a cup of tea, by a bag of Cadbury's chocolate buttons, by a visit from his daughter, by being able to connect with his grandchildren on a video call. Delight was something he expressed easily and honestly. It flowed through his veins."

Eddie suffered failing health in his final few years. His friends and neighbours, who loved him dearly, rallied to offer him unwavering support. He received loving care from family, friends, neighbours, doctors, nurses and carers. 

He is remembered as "a true gentleman who delighted in this beautiful world" and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Edmond Fitzgerald is survived by son Pat, daughter Sinéad, son-in-law Guy, grandchildren Rory and Lois, sisters-in-law Maura and Mary, brothers-in-law Mike and David, nieces, nephews and many friends.

He is predeceased by his father Patrick, mother Annie, wife Kathleen, sister Eileen, brothers Michael, Brendan and Gerald.

Edmond’s funeral cortége walked from the Anne Valley Walk on Ballyphilip Road, Dunhill, on Thursday, July 11, for Mass conducted by his nephew Fr. Pat O’Donaghue on arrival at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Dunhill.

Following the mass and burial in the adjoining cemetery, family and friends exchanged photographs and shared fond memories of Eddie's life in a place that was so near and dear to him, Harney’s pub. 

May he Rest in Peace.