Declan Fitzpatrick

Shocked and saddened to learn of Declan’s death. My sincere condolences to Cepta and Declan's family. A man full of character and integrity.

Declan was one of those teachers you remember for the rest of your life. Almost five years after we graduated from Ashfield, my friends would still utter the phrase "Ahh, I loved Declan so much" on a regular basis.

His students were always genuinely captivated by his presence, and all looked forward to getting to sit in his class and observe his infectious passion for literature. I'll always revisit the works of Yeats, Plath and Bishop, and can still quote sections of Macbeth by heart. He was adored by each and every student.

RIP Mr Fitzpatrick. A truly dedicated and inspirational teacher. YNWA

All the pupils in our class were extremely fortunate to have Declan Fitzpatrick as our teacher. His attention to detail was extraordinary. He had the focus to raise the game of the entire class. He was a gentleman and was able to put manners on us at a time when really needed it. There many phrases that past pupils will remember - “Television is a passive medium gents!” is one that comes to mind. His approach to work and learning is something that has helped me throughout my life. Deepest condolences to Declan’s family. May he rest in peace.
Templeogue College ‘88

I can’t imagine there are too many people out there who truly love their jobs. And of those that do, I can’t imagine there are too many out there who would still come in, on the first morning of their day off, to do it all over again.

But he did and we did and it probably did look good to an examiner that we were able to quote King Lear as liberally as we could Hamlet, even though it was only Hamlet on the curriculum.

He was the only teacher I ever had where nobody messed in his class. It wasn’t because we were afraid of him. It was because we loved him.

Even though I’m an Arsenal fan, I always thought there was something very special about Anfield. I’ve never been there, but you can sort of tell from your TV that the atmosphere there seems better than anywhere else.

I don’t know if one fan through sheer will of mind can lift a team to greatness. But if it can be done, this was the man to do it and in a way his work here is done. I doubt there’s every been a better Liverpool team than this present one. I’m just so glad he got to see it.

I have no doubt that he is now getting the rewards for his efforts in this world in a place where he truly belongs. A place even better than Anfield. A place we call heaven.

It came as an incredible shock when Chris shared with me, not so long ago at all, the news of Declan's diagnosis. We go back a very long way and although we lost touch over many years, I have never forgotten the friendship we shared. An annual highlight was always the keenly contested five-a-sides played out every St. Stephen's Day in the Polo Grounds in the Phoenix Park. Declan regularly tried (unsuccessfully, my fault, not his) to teach me to slide tackle .. his way, always uncompromising, whereas the timing was less important. I encouraged him to join my club and clearly Pegasus FC's loss was Terenure AFC's gain. Declan was very fond of my late father Vincie and they shared many moments chatting together. He also kept in touch with my mother Kathleen, by letter and dropping in to see her, such was the depth of his loyalty. Sincere condolences Maeve, Tony, Chris, Caitriona, Concepta, families and friends from Kathleen and all the Mc Donnell family, 5 Skreen Road, Navan Road.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

So sorry to hear of Declan's passing. A wonderful teacher and an inspiration to our sons.

If, as Yeats said, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire", then Declan was a conflagration. He taught me Irish for Leaving Cert more years ago than I care to remember. He really was evangelical about teaching and about the Irish language. He also wanted the best for all students, regardless of innate abilities. His dedication was unwavering. He had a vocation and you couldn't help but admire him for it. As a self-confessed grammar geek, I had many interesting discussions with him about Irish grammar -- just the other day I was explaining to a friend why you aspirate the ceol in uirlis cheoil! I've even managed to hang on to some of his beautiful handwritten explanations from my school years. He was very encouraging, animated perhaps by the Irish proverb "Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí" -- praise the young and they will flourish. I often think how indebted I am to my secondary school teachers, and Declan was up there with the best. Condolence to his friends and family.

I am greatly saddened by the news of Declan’s passing. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Concepta, the Fitzpatrick family, and friends. Words are never adequate in times like these. Declan was more than just a teacher, he was a supporter, an encourager, and above all, a friend. Declan’s passion for teaching was unmatched, and he would always go above and beyond for his students. It was an honour to have been taught Irish by Declan during 6th year. He instilled in me a love for the language.

Ar dheis Dé, go raibh a anam dílis.

Concepta, so sad to hear that Declan has passed. I recall the early morning chats in the study hall in Ashfield College Dundrum as he placed out folders for the students before their arrival. The respect and love that students had for Declan was visible in their Leaving Cert Irish grades. He knew I had an interest in gardening so, typical of him, he gave me a much cherished gardening manual before I left. I remember Declan as a kind, funny, generous dedicated teacher. Cepta, my thoughts are with you at this time.

My condolences to Cepta and Declan's family and friends. Dec was an inspirational teacher, I still remember his purple-ink manual hand-outs (no photo-copier back then) on Irish poetry and his impassioned lessons. And he wasn't just a teacher, but a mentor too.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.

A teacher unparalleled.
Mo Salah might be worth 10 or 12 points a season to his beloved Liverpool but Mr. Fitzpatrick's passion skill and ability was worth at least 10 or 12 higher grades for his classes every year.
Will always remember him stopping mid sentence of reading Wuthering Heights to tell us that Doctors Solicitors are noble professions but they don't get to read beautiful literature like this everyday.
Deepest sympathy to his family and friends
YNWA RIP

A wonderful teacher and an even better man , Rest In Peace Sir YNWA

Very saddened to hear this news. One of the few teachers who left a lasting impression on both of us. Shared a few stories today which made us smile, mostly involved Mr Fitzpatrick running down the corridor shouting poetry homework as we had missed his class that day! He taught us that if you do what you are truly passionate about you never work a day in your life. A true gentleman.

Rest in peace.

An exceptional man and a fantastic teacher. Rest in peace Declan YNWA.

Mr. Fitzpatrick was the best teacher I ever had. His passion for teaching was only matched by his love of football. Delighted I went back to see him once after I finished. One of the most inspiring people I’ve ever known. Thanks for everything Sir.

My sincere condolences to Cepta and all the family on the very sad passing of Declan. Declan was such a lovely friendly man, I always enjoyed our chats. You are all very much in my thoughts and prayers.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasail: codladh sioraí i measc na naoimh go raibh aige anois. Comhbhrón ó chroí don chlann uilig.

Greatly saddened by the news of Declans's passing. Declan you were a huge influence on me personally and so so many students who you taught over the years. Your dedication, professionalism, commitment, devotion, and unwavering passion for teaching had a profound effect on me not just in school but for many years after. The lessons you thought us in room 12 weren't just for school but they were universal lessons for life and I count myself very grateful and lucky to have been though by you in both English and Irish. I also remember the year you coached us at JCT rugby in 98 and I can honestly say it was the fittest I think I have ever been. You were a true gentleman Declan. One of my lasting memories of you was in 02 at our graduation or Debs night, which must have been around the time you and Cepta had met and seeing you Cepta dance the night away with us. Rest in peace Declan. My condolences to Cepta and the Fitzpatrick family

A teacher in every sense of the word. Deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to all his family. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences thoughts and prayers offered to the extended Fitzpatrick family and friends

At rest now
Peace perfect peace

“His life was gentle; and the elements so mixed in him, that nature might stand up and say to all the world -
This Was A Man”.

Shakespeare -

Marc Antony -
Julius Caesar Eulogy

Declan was an amazing teacher , I was very fortunate to have had him when I was in Templeogue College. He was a true gentleman and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his Wife, Family and friends. May he rest in Peace.

My deepest condolences to the family and friend's of Declan at this time.

A true gentleman and incredibly inspirational figure, his dedication and generosity was testement to his professionalism and was evident for all to see, be they student or faculty.

He brought out the best in all that he interacted with and was a catalyst for many students in their future pursuits.

May he rest in peace

Our sincere condolences to Cepta and the Fitzpatrick Family on the passing of Declan. We have fond memories of Declan as a wonderful caring neighbour and we will miss him. May he rest in peace. YNWA.

We were truly saddened to hear of Declan's passing. He was an exceptionally dedicated teacher who really made an impression on me and my two brothers. We'd like to offer our gratitude and sincere condolences to his family at this time.

Rip Mr Fitzpatrick, you had a significant influence on my life. The best teacher I have ever had. I know words like sesquipedalophobia and hyperbole because of you. You reinforced my love in the Simpsons - a la prohibition episode, Rex= King. Thank you. Templeogue was lucky to have you. Rip Declan. Condolences to your family.

Hi Bean Giolla Padraig, I was so sad to hear the news. I just wanted to say I hope you are ok, we miss you at Corpus Christi.. today liverpool won 5-0 so I think we can say.. YWNWA ❤

Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic news. A true gentleman and incredibly inspirational figure in my life. His meticulous preparation for each lesson, dedication and generosity was obvious for all to see. He brought the best out of everyone he came in contact with because he inspired people to reach his levels of dedication. I consider myself so lucky to have been able to spend years in his classroom and will forever be grateful for all his hard work and teachings. The world is a better place because of Mr. Fitzpatrick. Thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.

Sincere condolences Declan's wife Cepta, his parents Maeve and Tony, his brother and sister and extended family. May he rest in peace and may God give you strength in your grief. 🙏🏽

Terrible to hear of the passing of Mr.Fitzpatrick. He was an absolute gentleman who managed to leave a lasting impression on everyone he met. Forever grateful for the time, effort and dedication he put into his students. His passion was infectious. My condolences to his family and friends on the loss of a truly great man. May he rest in peace.

Chris, I just had a message this evening to let me know the very sad news about Declan. Reading the wonderful tributes to him, he certainly was a very special man who was devoted to his students and his work, as well as a very brave man. My sincere sympathy to you, your sister-in-law, parents and sister on your immense loss of a brother, husband and son. You are all very much in my thoughts tonight.

One of the most gifted teachers I have ever had, but much more importantly, a man of immense kindness.

We were all honoured to have him as a teacher and nearly ten years after leaving Templeogue College we still talk about his incredible classes, his passion and his decency.

Deepest condolences to his wife and wider family. RIP.

Shocked and saddened to hear of Declan's passing. A wonderful man, a great teacher. I have the fondest memories of him when he was my teacher in Templeogue college, and almost 40 years later his name still comes up on conversation as one of my favorite teachers and someone who impacted my life so positively. My deepest sympathies to the Fitzpatrick family on the passing of this great man.

Ed Quilty, Templeogue Class of '86

Deepest sympathy to Chris & the Fitzpatrick family on the death of your brother Declan..Ar deis De go raibh a anam deilis.

I WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO HEAR OF DECLAN 'S PASSING. A FORMER TERENURE COLLEGE AFC TEAMMATE AND TRUE STALWART IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD.I OFFER MY CONDOLENCE TO CONCEPTA AND FITZPATRICK FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME

Cepta, my deepest sympathy to you on the sad passing of your dear Declan. Go maire sé slán i ngrá Dé.
Elaine Mc Donald, Co. Laois

Deepest condolences to Cepta and all the Fitzpatrick family Dec made a deep impression on all of us who played with and were managed by him at TCAFC for 20 years. So passionate about teaching ,playing football and supporting Liverpool. His abhorrence of bad language, dedication to winning and fair play set him apart . He was a warm funny and wonderful person. Such a terrible loss .

Rodney Bishop and Niamh Kinsella Terenure College AFC

Sincere condolences to Mr and Mrs Fitzpatrick and his wife Concepta from all the Farrells at 287 Navan Rd.

My deepest condolences to Concepta and all the Fitzpatrick family at this very sad time.

I will always be grateful for having been a student of Declan Fitzpatrick's English class. Declan went beyond the subject to teach values of respect, service, kindness, and self-sacrifice.

His will be fondly remembered by us all.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. May he rest in peace.

Our sincere condolences to Meabh Tony and the extended Fitzpatrick family on the death of your son Declan may he RIP

From the very first day I met Declan at Ashfield College, I knew I had ‘a friend for life’. We both shared a strong faith and belief in the power of prayer. When I asked for prayers for my grand niece, Declan included her in his daily prayer, and always asked for her over the years. I can still hear him teaching next door in room 4, full of passion and captivating the attention of ‘each and every student’ in his classroom. His students truly loved him. Declan will forever hold a very special place in my heart, a candle that illuminates, representing -Truth - Nature - Kindness.

Our deepest condolences to Cepta , Maeve , Tony , Chris And Caitriona on the passing of Declan .

To Dr Fitzpatrick and all the Fitzpatrick Family sincere condolences on the death of your brother Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis. Geraldine McGarvey Donegal/ Dublin.

Sincere Sympathy to you Concepta and the extended Fitzpatrick family on the sad passing of Declan. May he rest in peace.

To Concepta and the Fitzpatrick family sincere sympathies on the death of a genuine caring man, a dedicated teacher for whom his students welfare was a priority and a loyal colleague.

Deepest sympathies for your loss. RIP. From Michael McDermott and Family, from Dooneen, Ballinameen, Roscommon. (Son of Mary Callaghan)

Declan was a true gentleman and I feel fortunate to have been one of his students. He was a great educator, a wise man and one of the most involved and passionate teachers I had the fortune of knowing. I send my deepest condolences to the family. You will be missed Declan.

Sincere sympathy to Maeve & Tony and the extended Fitzpatrick family on the sad passing of your son Declan RIP Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time

Our deepest sympathy to Cepta and family on the passing of our very kind neighbour Declan.

I was part of the Templeogue LC 1988 year and Declan made a lasting impression on me. I had him for english and I loved his drive, knowledge and wit. He always wanted us to impress with our use of language and anyone from my year may remember him trying to drill the word "perspicacious" into us on a daily basis! Also had the pleasure of having Declan as a rugby coach where he never got too fussed about tactics - he just wanted us to go out, have fun and express ourselves. Condolences to his family, you can take great pride and solace from the heartfelt messages here for a wonderful man and a teacher who made a real difference in young people's lives.

A true gentleman who impacted the lives of many. He lived the literature he taught. I had him for just a few weeks, but I'll remember the way he acted out the voices for Mice and Men for us. The voice of Lenny and George will always be his. Thanks for bringing the book to life and for the memories.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

The conversations on Monday morning about the Premier League and Horse Racing will never be forgotten but that was before Declan entered his theatre in Room 4 doing the things that he loved even more.
Sincere condolences to Cepta and the entire family
YNWA

Deepest condolences to Concepta and all of the Fitzpatrick family on the passing of Mr. Fitzpatrick.

I have been scrolling through all of the entries from students who have had the pleasure of having Declan as a teacher. It is quite obvious that I am not alone in my admiration of him. Not only did he instill a love of the language in us all but there were many life lessons taught along the way.

English was not a particularly strong subject of mine, but I have no doubt that Mr. Fitzpatrick brought the best out of me over the years.

He will be remembered fondly by us all.

May he rest in peace.

I remember one day I was teaching French and Declan was in the class next to me. I suddenly stopped and stood to listen to his voice as he taught an Irish poem. My class were hanging on his every word. I quietly said ‘You are so very lucky’. ‘We know Nicky, we know’ echoed from every corner of the room.

Declan, I will always miss your strong, passionate voice filling the corridor with Irish poetry. I hope you now know the huge impact you had on us all. You will never be forgotten.


My sincere condolences to Cepta and all of Declan’s family & friends.

Sincerest and prayerful sympathy on the death of a wonderful colleague and friend. I will continue to offer Masses and prayers for you all.

To Dear Cepta and all the Fitzpatrick Family,

My sincere sympathy on the passing of a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. I had the great blessing of getting to know Declan over 16 years ago. Both my late husband, Paddy and I will be eternally grateful for all his kindness, support and hard work when he was Best Man for our daughter on the day she married Cepta's brother, Pat. His respectful and gentle nature will always be a lasting memory for me. It was with great joy that I read all the beautiful tributes to him from friends and students over the years. Truly, his dedication to his pupils and his life of integrity and care are an example for all. I thank God that I had the privilege of knowing Declan and I will remember you all in my prayers. With kind regards always , Bridie Ryan

Mr. Fitzpatrick was an incredible teacher who inspired me to follow the same career path and try to inspire the next future generation. He looked at students as individuals and his passion for his subjects was phenomenal. Every time I stand in front of my own students, I will always think back to the incredible talents of Mr. Fitzpatrick and try to mirror even a fraction of such an incredible person. The times he would pass me in the hallway and one word of acknowledgment would help me through the darkest days. Thank you for everything and sincere condolences.

Our deepest sympathy to Cepta and the Fitzpatrick family on the passing of Declan. A true gentleman. May he rest in peace. YNWA

To Chris and all the Fitzpatrick’ family I am so sorry to hear about Declan’s death - may he rest in peace.

Like many of the lads that left a message for you Dec, I am proud to say I was your team mate,
We won, we lost, it didn’t matter because most days we laughed till it hurt. We also looked up to you in a way that you probably never realised.

Thank Dec,

Michael Stanley, Terenure College AFC