The Late Tommy 'Tucker' Fitzpatrick There was widespread grief and sadness in Tralee with the death of the well-known Tommy 'Tucker' Fitzpatrick of Cahill's Park and formerly of Upper Rock Street, Tralee. Tucker was a classy juvenile boxer with the Desmond's Club and played hurling and Gaelic football in his teen years with Austin Stacks, winning a Kerry Minor hurling championship medal. He also played up front for Tralee Dynamos. His playing career was cut short in 1965 when he suffered a knee injury while playing for the Seán McDermott club from Antrim against a North Kerry selection in Listowel. Unable to run on heavy ground as a result, he became a superb goalkeeper with Tralee United in the Fair Field. One of Tucker's most cherished boyhood memories was walking the greyhounds for Kerry Boyle who had his kennels at that time down in the small market. Being a golf caddy in Mounthawk was another enjoyable past time for Tucker in his youthful years. He worked in the CWS and like his friend, Christie Hennessy, had a talent for music and a fine voice. Tucker was one of Tralee's first skiffle group members with the band called The Satellites. The band headquarters was Maunsell's Bar at the corner of Pembroke Street and comprised of Frank Hennessy (guitar and trumpet), Paul Reidy ( bass guitar), Waddy McEvoy (drums), Michael McEvoy (guitar), Sonny Cosher Lynch (violin and trombone) and Tucker Fitzpatrick on washboard. The band played in the local Crock of Gold competition in the CYMS and reached the final but lost out to by an unknown Dublin group. The Harmonicords later to become the world famous Bachelors. Fr. Michael Murphy, a brother of present Bishop of Kerry, Rev. Bill Murphy, was spiritual director of the CYMS. After getting a standing ovation from the appreciative audience, Fr. Murphy called the washboard player aside and said to him, "whatever about the band and the boys going places, you will have no bother getting a job in St. John's Laundry in Balloonagh." But The Satellites did impress Fr. Murphy and they were booked by Jim O'Brien to open for the Regal Dance Band on the following Sunday night. In those years, the pubs closed on Sunday night at 10pm. Jerry Ashe, the CYMS caretaker brought two cases of Guinness backstage, so Tucker and friends polished off the lot. When the Regal band had their break, all that was left were empty bottles. The Satellites didn't get the opportunity to repeat this the band continued to perform locally. But work was scarce. Some members of the band immigrated to England and the remainder went their separate ways. Sport continued to have an important role in Tucker's life and he was assistant coach to Michael Conway in Kerry's most successful basketball team, The Tannery. Horse racing was another love of Tucker's for the had a strong family background with the sport of kings. His uncle Mike Reidy worked for the Vincent O'Brien stables and he had the honour of leading in The Minstrel after his Derby victory. Tucker Fitzpatrick's first cousin, Tommy Reidy was a top jockey with the Doug Smith stables but he was tragically killed in a road traffic accident at a relatively young age. Tommy is at rest in New Rath cemetery. Tucker had many interests indoors. He liked to socialise with his friends in a game of cards and a chat. He took great pride in Austin Stacks rise to the top in Kerry football. He was a lovely guy to meet either in the SP Offices or on his daily visit to town. He worked hard in many Tralee factories and at the time of his death was enjoying his retirement from Tralee UDC outdoor staff. Tucker will be sadly missed in Tralee. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Courtesy of the Kerry's Eye 24th April 2008 Tweet

Most Read Stories