Galway GAA mourns former U‑21 star Andy Fenton

Galway GAA has confirmed the death of former hurler Andy Fenton, a key figure in the county’s hurling revival during the 1970s.

Fenton was a member of the Galway under‑21 side that secured the county’s first ever under‑age All‑Ireland title in 1972, defeating Dublin 2‑9 to 1‑10 at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. The victorious team produced several future senior stars, including Iggy Clarke, Frank Burke, PJ Molloy, Marty Barrett and Joe McDonagh, who later won the National League in 1975 and contested All‑Ireland finals in 1975 and 1979 before clinching the senior crown in 1980.

At club level, Fenton played for Kiltormer, helping the side win the Galway intermediate title in 1975, the senior championship in 1977 and further senior titles in 1982, 1991 and 1992, the latter accompanied by an All‑Ireland club title.

Galway GAA chairperson Paul Bellew described Fenton as “a stalwart of Galway hurling and Kiltormer” and highlighted his role in the 25‑year period of success that culminated in the 1992 All‑Ireland club victory.

Fenton is survived by his wife Anne and children Deirdre, Cathal, Aoife and Enda. He will lie in repose at Kiltormer Complex (H53 P653) on Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm, with a funeral Mass to follow at St Patrick’s Church, Kiltormer.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Andreas Schnabl / Pexels.