An open letter to Peter Fitzpatrick

Dear Peter,

No, this is not one of your constituents and nor do I want a pothole on my road filled but, the reason I am writing to you today is in regards to your ‘other’ interest, as the manager of county Louth.

Over the past 3 years, I’ve followed you and the team length (waterford & Antrim) and breadth (Galway & Wexford) of the country, enjoying the highs and lows equally along the way.
The Leinster final being the all in one ultimate high and ultimate low, 70 twisted oxymoron minute rollercoaster of a match.

You came in by default but showed no shame, the opposite actually, you showed serious pride in getting the job of managing your county and that rubbed off on your players. They wanted to play in the red and White and play with pride while doing so.

You sang the praises of our lads when no one else would, never once did you belittle any one of your players or pass on the blame. Your childhood like enthusiasm was a hit with the national media too in many funny bullish images and interviews where you were never begrudging to the opposing team or referee and most of all you held your dignity throughout! (especially Leinster final day)

For all that, I would like to thank you and you will be fondly remembered as the highlight of your reign.

yes, past tense and yes, reign.

There comes a time in Sport where people have to move on and when plain old enthusiasm doesn’t work any more. Something more substantial has to be behind modern day GAA set ups these days. Unfortunately this has been seen in the decrease in results, lack of new players and overall performances since you took over in 2010.

Like majority of your constituents and their complaints about the potholes in this county.
The Louth managers job is effectively a pothole filler and as previously expressed you’ve came in and filled the hole adequately but the pressure of the cars/supporters and force of the weather/bad results has taken its toll over the past three years and now it’s time for you to let someone else try to fill that hole.

So I Urge you Peter to step aside, gracefully, for the good of the county.

Letting a fresh person in, with the knowledge and expertise to maximise our resources with the required energy and new ideas to take this talented bunch of players forward, especially when you see Westmeath doing so well against the mighty Kerry. 

Also with the Louth Championships about to get into full swing, we’d appreciate it, if you stood down. Thereby, giving that next man, the best opportunity to succeed.

yours sincerely,

The people of Louth

P.S. Thanks and keep Plugging away