‘A TRUE GENTLEMAN’: Tribute after death of Birmingham Irish legend John Fitzgerald

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a much-loved member of Birmingham’s Irish community.

Former music promoter and owner of popular Irish store Minstrel Music John Fitzgerald has died, it has been confirmed.

John Fitzgerald (Image: Brendan Farrell/The Irish Post)

The father-of-seven was a much-loved figure in Birmingham’s Irish community, where he ran his shop – described by many as an Aladdin’s cave for all things Irish – for more than 40 years before close in 2020.

The businessman, who was a fervent supporter of local charities, also got involved in numerous other ventures during his years in the city – including a long career as a music promoter and a stint as the lead singer of 1970s band The Castaways.

Originally from Gobbinstown in County Wexford, Mr Fitzgerald came to England in 1957.

John Fitzgerald with show band friends Norah Larkin, Willie Carthy and Paddy Keane (Image: The Irish Post)

He quickly made a name for himself on the music circuit as a promoter and manager of many big Irish acts, including long-time friend Brendan Shine.

The charismatic Irishman continued to stage concerts and festivals in and around Birmingham over many years, including the Midlands Irish Festival and Minstrel Music Charity Nights.

But his lasting success was his shop, which was renowned for stocking the finest Irish trinkets, music, gifts and essentials – such as Irish dancing shoes and GAA shirts.

Mr Fitzgerald first opened the shop at a site in Birmingham’s Sparkbrook in 1979, before moving to the Birmingham Irish Center in Digbeth – where it remained until the Irish Center moved in 2020.

John and Margaret Fitzgerald (Image: Chris Egan/The Irish Post)

Mr Fitzgerald took this opportunity to retire and spend more time with his beloved wife Margaret and their family.

A long-term friend and supporter of The Irish Post, Mr Ftizgerald and his wife were honored at the 2020 Irish Post St Patrick’s Breakfast in Birmingham for their long-standing contribution to the Irish community in the city.

Through Minstrel Music he came across Irish people from all over the UK who often made the journey specifically to buy their rare and unique items.

Many of these former customers and those who knew Mr Fitzgerald throughout his music career paid tribute today following his death.

Ita McKenna described him as a “wonderful man who has brought great Irish bands and events to Birmingham over the years”.

“His shop was a treasure trove of Irish goods with people coming from all over the country looking for football shirts, throwing sticks, dancing shoes, socks, Irish crystal and jewellery,” she added.

“I’ve never known him not to donate one of these prized items to any of us trying to raise funds for various good causes.”

Angela McGhee said he was “a gentle, knowledgeable, wise and kind man, a big part of the culture of the Irish Center at Digbeth”.

Brendan Shine pictured with long-term friend John Fitzgerald and Michael English (Image: Chris Egan/The Irish Post)

Pete Bipsham, of Birmingham Irish folk band Drowsie Maggie, said Mr Fitzgerald was a “real gentleman with time for everyone”.

He added: “He was very supportive of Irish music and dancing and I will always be grateful for the immense help he gave Drowsy Maggie in our early days.”

Local radio presenter Bob Brolly also paid tribute.

“I’m so proud to say that John has been a friend for many years, I have so many wonderful memories of drinking tea and talking for hours sometimes behind Minstrel Music based in the Irish Center from Digbeth,” he said in a statement.

“He loved being involved in all things Irish, loved his devoted wife Margaret and family,” he added.

“He’s already in heaven, helping God sort out Irish music. RIP my friend John, one of the greatest Irish men I have ever known.”

Funeral details have not yet been announced.