Darragh Fitzgibbon: 'I really do appreciate every moment'
eir Ambassador Darragh Fitzgibbon pictured in Croke Park celebrating eir's significant milestone moment in its network evolution, recognised by Opensignal as having Ireland’s No.1 5G network coverage. Now delivering 5G to 99% of Ireland’s population, eir was the first operator to bring 5G to Croke Park and continues to elevate the matchday experience for fans and players alike. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Click here to listen to the full interview with Cork senior hurler Darragh Fitzgibbon.
By Cian O'Connell
Darragh Fitzgibbon is fully aware that a decade has passed quickly. Matches played, memories made.
The next chapter in the journey commences on Sunday. A Munster SHC clash against Tipperary at FBD Semple Stadium. "This is where the whole pre-season and league campaign leads to," Fitzgibbon says.
"You dream about doing this when you're younger. Playing in the Munster Championship, it is the highest level, playing against such good teams. All four opposition teams are going to be of the highest standard.
"Playing in Thurles is seen as the Munster Championship, too. I remember going there watching matches with my Dad and grandad the whole time."
Representing Charleville and his family in the Cork jersey matters deeply to Fitzgibbon. "My family are mad into it, to be fair, they all travel to the games together," Fitzgibbon says.
"The club have got behind me too, it has been a good couple of years since a Charleville player was on the senior team. They've really got behind me over the last 10 years."
Cork manager Ben O'Connor had a stint training Charleville so Fitzgibbon has forged an important bond. "I know him well," Fitzgibbon says.
"First and foremost, I idolised him and Jerry growing up. Obviously, playing with Charleville, Newtown (Newtownshandrum) is a local club beside us. You could see them in the town of Charleville when you were a kid growing up.
Cork's Darragh Fitzgibbon in Allianz Hurling League action. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
"Seeing your heroes, just be normal people on a day to day basis. To be able to play for him with Charleville and now with Cork is another cool thing to have been able to do. Hopefully, we can do him justice on the field on Sunday."
O'Connor's mixture of passion and purpose is appreciated by Fitzgibbon. "I think what you see is what you get with Ben," he replies.
"A thing that is going very underestimated is how much of a players manager he is, and he is always looking out for us both on and off the field.
"He takes into consideration our point of view, within reason, obviously. That empowers players to perform to the best of their ability then when they take to the field.
"Another handy thing he has is that we all probably idolised him and Ronan (Curran), and the other guys growing up. We watched them lifting trophies, winning games, and being unbelievable hurlers. It gives you an extra emphasis to do the best you can for the Cork jersey."
Ultimately, Fitzgibbon cherishes these days and the friendships that are formed. "I think the older you get, the more you appreciate every season, every training session, and almost every drill as much as you can," Fitzgibbon remarks.
"We're going to look back in five or 10 years and think how lucky we were to be able to do this four times a week and to be able to play in such big stadiums for such a good team and such an historical team, to have such good fans, too.
"Every year I really do appreciate every moment you get with the group." Another intriguing trip to Tipp is imminent.
eir has reached another significant moment in its network evolution, having been recognised by Opensignal as Ireland’s No.1 5G network coverage. Now delivering 5G to 99% of Ireland’s population, eir was the first operator to bring 5G to Croke Park and continues to elevate the matchday experience for fans and players alike. For more information visit eir.ie
