Seán Fitzgerald

Seán Fitzgerald
Personal information
Native name
Seán Mac Gearailt (Irish)
NicknameFitzy
Born (2000-09-14) 14 September 2000
Galway, Ireland
OccupationPrimary school teacher
Sport
SportGaelic football
PositionFull-back
Inter-county
Years County
2022–
 Galway
Connacht titles 4

Seán Fitzgerald (born 14 September 2000) is an Irish Gaelic footballer who plays for the Bearna club and at senior level for the Galway county team.[1] His usual position is as a defender.[2]

Fitzgerald has won two Connacht Senior Football Championship titles on the field of play (2024 and 2025), as well as an additional two off it (2022 and 2023). He won a Connacht Under-20 Football Championship title in 2020, and – later the same year – the All-Ireland Under-20 Football Championship title. Having scoring a goal in the final of the 2022 FBD Insurance Connacht GAA Senior Football Competition, he played in both the 2023 National Football League final and 2024 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final.

Playing career

Fitzgerald helped Galway's under-20 team win the 2020 All-Ireland Under-20 Football Championship – delayed until December by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Gaelic games.[3]

He began playing for the Galway senior team in 2022.[4] The first match of the year took place against Mayo at the Connacht GAA Air Dome, with Fitzgerald starting and completing the game in the full-back line alongside Jack Glynn and Liam Silke.[5] Playing alongside Cillian McDaid and Silke in the full-back line, he scored a goal in his second game against Roscommon at the same venue, as Galway won the 2022 FBD Insurance Connacht GAA Senior Football Competition.[6] With the 2022 National League done and dusted, Fitzgerald made a belated blood sub appearance in place of Seán Kelly against Derry.[7] He went onto start in the half-back line in the league final loss to Roscommon.[8] However, he did not feature on the field of play in any of Galway's games in the 2022 Connacht Senior Football Championship, which Galway won.[9][10][11] Nor did he feature on the field of play in Galway's run to the 2022 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final, a run which included the infamous onfield brawl with Armagh in the quarter-final.[12][13][14]

Fitzgerald moved to the full-back line as a corner-back alongside regular full-back Kelly for the 2023 National League games against Armagh and Kerry as Galway qualified for the Division 1 League final.[15][16] Galway lost to Mayo, with Fitzgerald playing the entire game as full-back, swapping with Kelly who went too corner-back.[17] However, he did not feature on the field of play in either of Galway's games in the 2023 Connacht Senior Football Championship, which Galway won.[18][19]

Fitzgerald did, however, go onto become the senior team's starting full-back.[3] He played this role in the opening 2024 National League game against Mayo; with Kelly absent, Fitzgerald was given a torrid time by opponent Aidan O'Shea.[20] He played as full-back in the next three league games, against Roscommon, Tyrone and Derry.[21][22][23] Johnny McGrath replaced Fitzgerald at full-back against Monaghan, with Fitzgerald moving to corner-back.[24] Fitzgerald returned to full-back against Dublin and Kerry to see out the league campaign.[25][26] He was full-back in every game as Galway won the 2024 Connacht Senior Football Championship, though was subbed off towards the end of the final.[27][28][29] He was also full-back in the first two games of Galway's 2024 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Round Robin campaign, against Derry and Westmeath respectively.[30][31] He was moved to the half-back line for the concluding game, against Arrmagh, as Galway finished second in Group 1 to qualify for a preliminary quarter-final.[32] He then started as full-back in Galway's run to the 2024 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final; first that preliminary quarter-final, then in what was described as "landmark" victory against Dublin, though he was subbed off towards the end of his team's victory against the then title holders.[33][34] Full-back as well for the semi-final against Donegal, Fitzgerald was again subbed off in a narrow victory over Jim McGuinness's team, whose loss at this stage of the championship was his first since 2011.[35] Fitzgerald started – and completed – the 2024 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final, again as full-back.[3][36]

Galway used Fitzgerald as full-back again during the 2025 Connacht Senior Football Championship.[37] However, he was replaced by Kieran Molloy shortly after the second half of the final began, with Galway winning to complete a run of four consecutive titles for the first time since the 1960s.[38] But Meath surprised Fitzgerald's team by knocking Galway out of the 2025 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in the quarter-finals.[39]

Fitzgerald started and completed the 2026 Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final,[40] before leaving the Galway panel ahead of the final to pursue a TV opportunity.[4]

Personal life

Fitzgerald is a qualified primary school teacher.[4][41]

In June 2026, he was announced as taking part in series 13 of the British reality TV show Love Island.[42][43]

Honours

Galway

References

  1. ↑ Fanneran, Vinny (17 March 2025). "Galway GAA star Sean Fitzgerald opens up on football rise admitting he 'cried all way to training'". Archived from the original on 17 March 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2026.
  2. ↑ "Seán Fitzgerald". Galway GAA. Archived from the original on 15 August 2025. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 Costello, Lee (20 March 2025). "How Sean Fitzgerald Went From Crying On His Way To Training To Playing For Galway". Archived from the original on 23 July 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 "Seán Fitzgerald steps away from Galway". RTÉ News. 19 May 2026. Archived from the original on 20 May 2026. Retrieved 27 May 2026.
  5. ↑ Finnerty, Mike (7 January 2022). "Paul Conroy to the fore as Galway claim indoor win over Mayo". RTÉ News. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  6. ↑ Fallon, John (14 January 2022). "Galway pip Rossies to claim FBD League success". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 14 January 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  7. ↑ Wilson, Michael (20 March 2022). "Rout of Derry has Joyce's Tribesmen back in top flight". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  8. ↑ Harrington, John (3 April 2022). "Roscommon edge out Galway in Allianz FL D2 Final". GAA. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022.
  9. ↑ "Mayo's Connacht championship hopes dashed by Galway". The Connaught Telegraph. 24 April 2022. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  10. ↑ Duggan, Keith (8 May 2022). "Galway thrash Leitrim as gap between elite and rest shown in Salthill". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 8 May 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  11. ↑ Fallon, John (29 May 2022). "Galway gain revenge over Roscommon to land Connacht SFC title". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 29 May 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  12. ↑ Keane, Paul (26 June 2022). "Galway beat Armagh on penalties in Croke Park epic". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  13. ↑ Neville, Conor (9 July 2022). "Comer fires Galway into first decider since 2001". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
  14. ↑ Fogarty, John (24 July 2022). "Kerry are All-Ireland champions after four point win over Galway". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  15. ↑ Malone, Steve (18 March 2023). "Allianz FL D1: Gritty Galway defeat Armagh". GAA. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  16. ↑ Brosnan, Maurice (26 March 2023). "Galway seize final spot with impressive victory over Kerry". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  17. ↑ Fogarty, John (2 April 2023). "Colm Reape stars as Mayo claim Division 1 title with win over Galway". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  18. ↑ Brosnan, Maurice (24 April 2023). "Comer and Maher star as Joyce's Galway find a way". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  19. ↑ Maloney, Liam (7 May 2023). "Matthew Tierney terrific as Galway overcome Sligo to retain Connacht SFC crown". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 7 May 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  20. ↑ Finnerty, Mike (28 January 2024). "Mayo begin title defence with Salthill triumph over Galway". RTÉ News. Retrieved 28 January 2024. Mayo's running game continued to find gaps, and with Aidan O'Shea proving a real handful for Seán Fitzgerald, Bob Tuohy and Boland both tacked on scores in the closing stages to give the visitors a deserved cushion at the short whistle.
  21. ↑ Cooney, Ian (4 February 2024). "Weather the winner as Roscommon and Galway share spoils". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 4 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  22. ↑ Mooney, Francis (18 February 2024). "Cathal Sweeney strike sees Galway edge past Tyrone in Omagh". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 18 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  23. ↑ Finnerty, Mike (25 February 2024). "Derry continue league dominance in Galway". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 26 February 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  24. ↑ Shalvey, Colm (14 March 2024). "Galway boost survival chances against leaky Monaghan". RTÉ News. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  25. ↑ Byrne, David (24 March 2024). "Kerry hold on to see off Galway at Killarney". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 25 March 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  26. ↑ Finnerty, Mike (16 March 2024). "Dublin dominate Galway to keep hot league form rolling". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 24 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  27. ↑ Martin, Conor (6 April 2024). "Galway rack up five goals in Ruislip massacre". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  28. ↑ Maloney, Liam (20 April 2024). "Last-gasp Rob Finnerty goal breaks Sligo hearts as Galway squeeze through". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 20 April 2024. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  29. ↑ Finnerty, Mike (5 May 2024). "Late Connor Gleeson point wins Connacht final for Galway". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  30. ↑ Fallon, Kevin (18 May 2024). "Galway put 14-man Derry to the sword". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  31. ↑ Buckley, Gerry (2 June 2024). "Breakaway Shane Walsh goal ensures narrow win for Galway in Mullingar". RTÉ News. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  32. ↑ Fallon, Kevin (16 June 2024). "Armagh battle back to draw with Galway and top Group 1". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  33. ↑ Fallon, John (22 June 2024). "Paul Conroy shines as Galway eventually wear down Monaghan". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 23 June 2024. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  34. ↑ Keane, Paul (29 June 2024). "Holders Dublin exit race for Sam after superb Galway second-half showing". RTÉ News. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  35. ↑ Neville, Conor (14 July 2024). "Galway hold firm in tense finale to reach decider". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 14 July 2024. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
  36. ↑ Neville, Conor (28 July 2024). "Glory for Armagh as they pip Galway in tense final". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 28 May 2026. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  37. ↑ Finnerty, Mike (6 April 2025). "Galway eventually shake off stubborn New York challenge in the Bronx". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  38. ↑ Egan, Kevin (4 May 2025). "Mayo fall to Galway at the last hurdle as the Tribesmen secure fourth Connacht title in a row". The Irish News. Archived from the original on 28 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  39. ↑ Keane, Paul (29 June 2025). "Majestic Meath finish with a flourish to edge Galway and reach all-Ireland semi-final". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 29 June 2025. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  40. ↑ Leddy, PJ (25 April 2026). "Galway hold off plucky Leitrim to reach Connacht final". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 27 May 2026. Retrieved 27 May 2026.
  41. ↑ "Galway GAA star Seán Fitzgerald joins new series of Love Island". Irish Independent. 26 May 2026. Retrieved 27 May 2026.
  42. ↑ "Galway footballer Seán Fitzgerald joins new season of Love Island". RTÉ News. 26 May 2026. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  43. ↑ "Galway footballer Seán Fitzgerald unveiled as Love Island contestant". TheJournal.ie. 26 May 2026. Archived from the original on 27 May 2026. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  44. ↑ Fallon, John (5 May 2024). "Gleeson kicks Galway to dramatic Connacht title". RTÉ News. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  45. ↑ Manning, Gordon (4 May 2025). "Galway show their steel as Mayo come up just short once again". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 4 May 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  46. ↑ O'Connell, Cian (14 January 2022). "Galway too strong for Roscommon in FBD League final". The42. Archived from the original on 14 January 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  47. ↑ Keane, Paul (19 December 2020). "Galway edge Dublin to claim U20 All-Ireland title". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 19 December 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  48. ↑ "Galway win Connacht Under-20 football final by 20 points". The Irish Times. 7 March 2020. Archived from the original on 17 September 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
This page is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.