Tommy 'Tucker' Fitzpatrick, Cahill's Park and formerly of Dawson's Terrace, Tralee, who died on Wednesday, April 16, was one of the great characters who graced the town in which he was born with his own style of wit and charm.

Tralee residents have a habit of calling people by their nicknames rather than their Christian names and so 'Tucker' was never called anything else. Where he picked up the nickname is open to conjecture, but he never objected in the slightest to being called Tucker.

Aged 68, Tucker had lived most of his life in Cahill's Park, having moved there in 1954, but dare one call him a supporter of the Blues! He was born in Dawson's Terrace, Upper Rock Street, son
of Michael and Julia Fitzpatrick (nee Reidy) and supported the black and amber of the Austin Stacks throughout his life.

Tucker in his youth growing up in Rock Street took part in many sports. As a juvenile he boxed with the Desmonds Boxing Club and played hurling and football with Austin Stacks, winning a minor hurling championship with them.

His own playing career was cut short following an injury in 1965,
when as a guest for the Sean McDermott club from County
Antrim, he damaged a knee against a North Kerry selection
in Listowel. He also played soccer as a goalkeeper for the old
Tralee United team.

Tucker had a great recollection of games and events that happened during his youth. One of his happiest memories as a boy
were of days spent walking the long tails for legendary grey-
hound trainer Kerr Boyle.

Horse racing was another of his great interests. His uncle Mika Reidy was a jockey who subsequently went to work as head lad for the all conquering stable of Vincent O'Brien. When The Minstrel won the Epsom Derby it was Mika who led the horse into the unsaddling enclosure, but it was Tucker who could be heard all the way in Tralee shouting home the winner.

Tucker's first cousin Tommy Reidy was a top jockey with Doug Smith's stable but was tragically killed in a car accident at a young age.

Tucker started his working career with the old CWS bacon factory, Upper Rock Street, following his education with the CBS in Edward Street. Like his good friend, Christy (Ross) Hennessy.

With the closure of the premises Tucker worked in the Tannery in the Square. He subsequently was employed by Latchford's Mill and Tralee UDC, until his retirement.

Endowed with a sharp wit, keen sense of humour and beautiful singing voice, Tucker was at home in anyone's company. His musical career stemmed back to the 50s, when as a member of The Satellites, he played the washboard with their own brand of Skiffle music.

He was party to many sing songs, while indulging in a pint with his friends. One of his favourite songs was a beautiful ballad called White, Orange and Green, which he sang with gusto.

Tucker Fitzpatrick, a most unassuming human being leaves his friends and family with a myriad of wonderful memories.

The removal of his remains took place from the Gleasure Funeral Home to St John's Church on Friday, April 18. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday morning, following which interment took place in New Rath Cemetery.

Tucker is survived by his sister Esther, nieces Julie, Joan, Patsy
and Karen, nephews Martin, Billy, Mike Jo, David and Alan and his grand-niece Jordan.

Suaimhneas siorrai da anam dilis.


Courtesy of The Kerryman
30 April 08 Tweet

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