Ted Fitzgerald (b. 1944)

Track 1: Ted Fitzgerald is the youngest of four sons to Tim and Pauline Fitzgerald. He discusses his background at Clash Cross, Tralee, and joining his father’s construction business Fitzgerald Brothers following his education at Tralee CBS, The Green. He served as Chairman of the Construction Industry Federation and later as President of the Construction Federation 1988-1989, and he recalls his brief in those positions. His passion and great love was the GAA especially his beloved John Mitchels GAA Club (winning three Senior County Championship Medals and one Minor County Championship Medal). He represented Kerry at all levels winning an All-Ireland Minor Medal (1962), an All-Ireland U-21 Medal (1965) and an All-Ireland Junior Medal (1968). Described, is the fundraising for the John Mitchels Club Tour of the US in 1964 (50% contributed by the famous John Kerry O’Donnell of Gaelic Park, New York) which included the Tops of the Town. Track 2: He joined the Patrick Sarsfield Cumann of Fianna Fáil (later joining the John Mitchel’s Cumann once formed) having been introduced by his father and he describes his republican family background. He was nominated as a candidate for the 1974 Tralee Urban District Council election, and he recalls his colleagues on the Council at that time, his work in relation to the demolition of the Staff Barracks, the subsequent building of St Patrick’s Bungalows and his work on the development of the Tralee Museum in the Ashe Memorial Hall. Track 3: The working relationship between the Urban District Council and the VEC in relation to the building of the South Campus in Tralee is described, as are the flood issues in the town in 1986 and funding by central government at that time (Flood Relief Scheme). The building of the new Tralee Urban District Council premises at Princes Quay is also mentioned. Track 4: in 1985, he won a seat on Kerry County Council and he discusses his role on both Councils over the years, the heated debates and the close working relationship which exists between the UDC members. He recalls the opening of the Rose Garden in Tralee Town Park and the building of the Jeanie Johnston and the legacy left behind. Track 5: He recalls his tenures as Chairman of Tralee Urban District Council and as Mayor, the Rose of Tralee Festivals and some of the people he met at civic receptions. Track 6: The rates charged in Tralee over the years are discussed. He verbalises his disappointment at the loss of his seat on Kerry County Council and he explains that he will stand for re-election to the new Municipal Council in 2014.