Tributes paid in Waterford to Pat Fitzgerald as funeral details announced
The late Pat Fitzgerald
Tributes have been paid in Waterford to the late Pat Fitzgerald who passed away following an incident in Waterford City on Friday night, August 1.
The respected trade union leader and former Chairman of the ATGWU, who was in his 70s, was found with serious injuries at his home that night and was removed to University Hospital Waterford where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, August 3.
He was described locally as being "highly respected" and someone who worked hard for his community.
One of those who paid tribute to the late union advocate was local public representative, Councillor Donal Barry.
"He was the best we ever had," said Cllr Barry, reflecting on the time that he and Mr Fitzgerald spent working in Waterford Crystal.
"He was highly respected by everyone in the company and was well-known and very highly thought of," added Cllr Barry.
Mr Fitzgerald was a highly skilled glass blower with the world famous company and such was his passion for workers' rights that he became the fulltime union convenor for the company - representing over 3,500 employees.
Mr Fitzgerald was at the core of the fight for Waterford Crystal's workers when the company went bankrupt.
"People are shocked and saddened by this news," said Cllr Barry.
The funeral of Mr Fitzgerald, who lived in the St Catherine's Grange area of Waterford City, will take place on Friday morning, August 8, at 12 noon in Sacred Heart Church, the Folly, Waterford. The funeral cortege will walk from Ballytruckle Green at 11.40am that morning.
Burial will take place immediately after the Requiem Mass, in St Mary's Cemetery, Ballygunner.
The mass will be lived streamed.
Mr Fitzgerald's remains will lay in repose at Tom Hennessey's Funeral Home, 45A Johnstown, Waterford, on Thursday, August 7, from 5.30pm to 7pm.
He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen (nee: Flynn), his father Jack, brother Mark and nephew Luke. Mr Fitzgerald was much loved father of Wayne, Joanne and Karl and will be sadly missed by his mother Maura, brothers Nicky and John, sisters Joan, Margie, Brenda, Helen, Ann and June, grandchildren Mia, Ruben, Sofia and Adam, son-in-law Mick, daughter-in-law Barbara, his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.
