Damien Fitzhenry
Encyclopedia
Damien Fitzhenry is a retired Irish
sportsperson. He plays hurling
and Gaelic football
with his local club Duffry Rovers and was a member of the Wexford
senior inter-county hurling team from 1993 until 2010. Fitzhenry was widely regarded as Wexford's greatest ever goalkeeper.
with Duffry Rovers. Fitzhenry joined the senior ranks of the club in late 1991 and shared in the club's famous run of seven county football titles in-a-row between 1986 and 1992.
minor hurling panel. He quickly moved onto the under-21 panel, however, he had little success in either of these grades.
In early 1993 Fitzhenry made his senior debut in the National Hurling League
quarter-final against Westmeath
. Wexford went on to reach the National League final that year. The opponents on that occasion were Cork, however, the game ended in a draw. The replay saw extra-time being played, however, both sides ended level once again. At the third attempt Cork emerged victorious by 3-11 to 1-12. In spite of this defeat expectations were still high for the Leinster championship. In the final of that competition Wexford drew with arch rivals and All-Ireland champions Kilkenny and there was hope of success. The replay was a different affair as Kilkenny won handily enough by 2-12 to 0-11.
Wexford were defeated in the Leinster final again in 1994 before disappearing from the championship at the first hurdle in 1995. By 1996 things were beginning to change in Wexford, thanks in no small way to the new manager Liam Griffin
. Once again Fitzhenry lined out in goals in the Leinster final. Offaly
provided the opposition on that occasion; however, history was made as Wexford won by 2-23 to 2-15. It was Fitzhenry's first senior Leinster
title and Wexford’s first since 1977. Wexford later defeated Galway
in the penultimate game of the championship, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with Limerick
. The Munster men were slight favourites going into the game. They were the beaten finalists of 1994 and had already beaten Clare
, the reigning champions, in the Munster Championship
. The game was far from a classic; however, it did provide excitement. Tom Dempsey
was the hero of the day as he scored a goal after nineteen minutes to give Wexford a major advantage. His side led by 1-8 to 0-10 at half-time in spite of having Éamonn Scallon sent off. Wexford took a four-point lead in the second-half; however, this was whittled back to two points as Wexford hung on for the last twenty minutes. The final score of 1-13 to 0-14 showed how vital Dempsey’s goal was. It was Fitzhenry's first All-Ireland
medal and Wexford’s first since 1968.
In 1997 Fitzhenry captured a second Leinster title as Wexford defeated their age old rivals Kilkenny. A 2-14 to 1-11 victory secured a safe passage to the All-Ireland semi-final where Tipperary
, the defeated Munster finalists, provided the opposition. Wexford, however, surrendered their All-Ireland crown on that occasion as Tipp won the game. In spite of this defeat Fitzhenry was recognised as the best goalkeeper of the championship and was presented with his first All-Star
award.
The departure of Liam Griffin as manager resulted in a downturn in Wexford's fortunes. Offally and Kilkenny monopolised the Leinster final for the next three years from 1998 until 2000. Fitzhenry's side were back in the provincial final in 2001, however, a 2-19 to 0-12 defeat by Kilkenny proved how off the pace the team were. In spite of this the team reached the All-Ireland semi-final where they drew with Tipperary. Tipp won the replay and went on to claim the All-Ireland title for the first time in a decade.
Fitzhenry's side lost out to Kilkenny in the Leinster finals of 2002 and 2003, however, they ended up in the All-Ireland semi-final in the latter year. In that game Wexford drew with Cork in an exciting challenge, however, Cork crushed Wexford in the replay.
In 2004 Wexford faced Kilkenny in the Leinster semi-final. While most people expected an easy victory for 'the Cats', Wexford sealed the win with a dramatic last-second goal resulting in a one point victory. Wexford later went on to defeat Offaly in the provincial final giving Fitzhenry his third Leinster medal. This allowed Wexford to advance to the All-Ireland semi-final, however, Cork claimed the victory in the penultimate stage of the championship. Once again, Fitzhenry was recognised as the best goalkeeper in the country and he was presented with a second All-Star award.
The following few years brought little success to Fitzhenry or Wexford. Although the team suffered defeats in the Leinster championship they still made their way to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
In 2007 Wexford lost the provincial final by double scores to Kilkenny, however, the team later shocked Tipperary in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Fitzhenry scored a crucial goal in that game to secure the victory and set up an All-Ireland semi-final with Kilkenny. Once again, 'the Cats' defeated the men from the Model County. Fitzhenry was later presented with a GPA All-Star
.
In 2008 Wexford had a poor start to the championship. After drawing with Dublin, Fitzhenry's side faced Kilkenny in the provincial decider. A trouncing on that occasion meant that Wexford had only one more chance left to remain in the championship. An All-Ireland quarter-final meeting with Waterford
, in spite of a great display by Fitzhenry, resulted in a 2-19 to 3-15 defeat.
Two days later there were rumours that Fitzhenry was thinking about retirement from inter-county hurling after 15 years on the panel though in January, 2009 after the former Tippperary hurler Colm Bonnar
was appointed as the manager two months ago. Fitzhenry returned to the panel but did not play until their championship opening against Offaly
on 30 May where he made a few magnifciant saves including a penalty from Shane Dooley
. Fitzhenry and his squad were narrowly sent to the qualifiers after a one point defeat by Dublin
at Nowlan Park
. Despite getting early knocked out Fitzhenry thought about giving the 2010 hurling championship another go.
Fitzhenry confirmed on 15 February 2010 his retirement from inter-county hurling after serving 17 years in the panel. He was succeeded as Wexford goalkeeper by Noel Carton
.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He plays hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
and Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with his local club Duffry Rovers and was a member of the Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
senior inter-county hurling team from 1993 until 2010. Fitzhenry was widely regarded as Wexford's greatest ever goalkeeper.
Club
The Fitzhenry name has been associated with the Duffry Rovers club since the 1970s. Damien, the youngest of fifteen children, currently plays his club hurling and football with 'the Rovers' and is following in the footsteps of his brothers Mark, Tom, Séamus, John, Martin, Gerard, Noel, Paddy and Fran. As well as that three of Fitzhenry’s sisters, Tina, Mary and Ann, have also played camogieCamogie
Camogie is an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women; it is almost identical to the game of hurling played by men. Camogie is played by 100,000 women in Ireland and world wide, largely among Irish communities....
with Duffry Rovers. Fitzhenry joined the senior ranks of the club in late 1991 and shared in the club's famous run of seven county football titles in-a-row between 1986 and 1992.
Inter-county
Fitzhenry first came to prominence in the early 1992 when he joined the WexfordWexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
minor hurling panel. He quickly moved onto the under-21 panel, however, he had little success in either of these grades.
In early 1993 Fitzhenry made his senior debut in the National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
quarter-final against Westmeath
Westmeath GAA
The Westmeath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Westmeath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Westmeath...
. Wexford went on to reach the National League final that year. The opponents on that occasion were Cork, however, the game ended in a draw. The replay saw extra-time being played, however, both sides ended level once again. At the third attempt Cork emerged victorious by 3-11 to 1-12. In spite of this defeat expectations were still high for the Leinster championship. In the final of that competition Wexford drew with arch rivals and All-Ireland champions Kilkenny and there was hope of success. The replay was a different affair as Kilkenny won handily enough by 2-12 to 0-11.
Wexford were defeated in the Leinster final again in 1994 before disappearing from the championship at the first hurdle in 1995. By 1996 things were beginning to change in Wexford, thanks in no small way to the new manager Liam Griffin
Liam Griffin
Liam Griffin is a retired Irish hurling manager and former player. He played hurling at various times with his local clubs Rosslare and Newmarket-on Fergus with the Wexford and Clare senior inter-county teams in the 1960s. Griffin later served as manager of the Wexford senior inter-county team...
. Once again Fitzhenry lined out in goals in the Leinster final. Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
provided the opposition on that occasion; however, history was made as Wexford won by 2-23 to 2-15. It was Fitzhenry's first senior Leinster
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
The Leinster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland....
title and Wexford’s first since 1977. Wexford later defeated Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
in the penultimate game of the championship, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
. The Munster men were slight favourites going into the game. They were the beaten finalists of 1994 and had already beaten Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
, the reigning champions, in the Munster Championship
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
. The game was far from a classic; however, it did provide excitement. Tom Dempsey
Tom Dempsey (hurler)
Tom Dempsey is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Buffer's Alley and with the Wexford senior inter-county team from 1984 until 2000.-Club:...
was the hero of the day as he scored a goal after nineteen minutes to give Wexford a major advantage. His side led by 1-8 to 0-10 at half-time in spite of having Éamonn Scallon sent off. Wexford took a four-point lead in the second-half; however, this was whittled back to two points as Wexford hung on for the last twenty minutes. The final score of 1-13 to 0-14 showed how vital Dempsey’s goal was. It was Fitzhenry's first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
medal and Wexford’s first since 1968.
In 1997 Fitzhenry captured a second Leinster title as Wexford defeated their age old rivals Kilkenny. A 2-14 to 1-11 victory secured a safe passage to the All-Ireland semi-final where Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
, the defeated Munster finalists, provided the opposition. Wexford, however, surrendered their All-Ireland crown on that occasion as Tipp won the game. In spite of this defeat Fitzhenry was recognised as the best goalkeeper of the championship and was presented with his first All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
award.
The departure of Liam Griffin as manager resulted in a downturn in Wexford's fortunes. Offally and Kilkenny monopolised the Leinster final for the next three years from 1998 until 2000. Fitzhenry's side were back in the provincial final in 2001, however, a 2-19 to 0-12 defeat by Kilkenny proved how off the pace the team were. In spite of this the team reached the All-Ireland semi-final where they drew with Tipperary. Tipp won the replay and went on to claim the All-Ireland title for the first time in a decade.
Fitzhenry's side lost out to Kilkenny in the Leinster finals of 2002 and 2003, however, they ended up in the All-Ireland semi-final in the latter year. In that game Wexford drew with Cork in an exciting challenge, however, Cork crushed Wexford in the replay.
In 2004 Wexford faced Kilkenny in the Leinster semi-final. While most people expected an easy victory for 'the Cats', Wexford sealed the win with a dramatic last-second goal resulting in a one point victory. Wexford later went on to defeat Offaly in the provincial final giving Fitzhenry his third Leinster medal. This allowed Wexford to advance to the All-Ireland semi-final, however, Cork claimed the victory in the penultimate stage of the championship. Once again, Fitzhenry was recognised as the best goalkeeper in the country and he was presented with a second All-Star award.
The following few years brought little success to Fitzhenry or Wexford. Although the team suffered defeats in the Leinster championship they still made their way to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
In 2007 Wexford lost the provincial final by double scores to Kilkenny, however, the team later shocked Tipperary in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Fitzhenry scored a crucial goal in that game to secure the victory and set up an All-Ireland semi-final with Kilkenny. Once again, 'the Cats' defeated the men from the Model County. Fitzhenry was later presented with a GPA All-Star
GPA Gaelic Team of the Year
The GPA Gaelic Team of the Year known for sponsorship reason as The Opel Gaelic Team of the Year awards were an awards ceremony to honour the performances ofGaelic Athletic Association players...
.
In 2008 Wexford had a poor start to the championship. After drawing with Dublin, Fitzhenry's side faced Kilkenny in the provincial decider. A trouncing on that occasion meant that Wexford had only one more chance left to remain in the championship. An All-Ireland quarter-final meeting with Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
, in spite of a great display by Fitzhenry, resulted in a 2-19 to 3-15 defeat.
Two days later there were rumours that Fitzhenry was thinking about retirement from inter-county hurling after 15 years on the panel though in January, 2009 after the former Tippperary hurler Colm Bonnar
Colm Bonnar
Colm Bonnar is a Irish former hurling manager and retired player.A midfielder at all levels, Bonnar enjoyed a successful playing career at club level with Cashel King Cormac’s in Tipperary and Dunhill in Waterford and at inter-county level with Tipperary...
was appointed as the manager two months ago. Fitzhenry returned to the panel but did not play until their championship opening against Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
on 30 May where he made a few magnifciant saves including a penalty from Shane Dooley
Shane Dooley
Shane Dooley is an Irish sportsperson. He playes hurling and Gaelic football with his local club Tullamore and has been a member of the Offaly senior hurling team since 2007.-Biography:...
. Fitzhenry and his squad were narrowly sent to the qualifiers after a one point defeat by Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
at Nowlan Park
Nowlan Park
Nowlan Park is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Kilkenny, Ireland, home to the Kilkenny hurling team. It has two covered stands and two terraces, behind each goalpost. The current capacity of the stadium is approximately 24,000 with a seating capacity of 17,000. Plans have...
. Despite getting early knocked out Fitzhenry thought about giving the 2010 hurling championship another go.
Fitzhenry confirmed on 15 February 2010 his retirement from inter-county hurling after serving 17 years in the panel. He was succeeded as Wexford goalkeeper by Noel Carton
Noel Carton
Noel Carton is an Irish sportsperson. He plays hurling with his local club Cloughbawn and succeeded Damien Fitzhenry as goalkeeper on the Wexford senior inter-county team in 2010.-References:...
.