"When I played in the 1980s, there was little money in the game here and many of my former team-mates and opponents are suffering ill health; one recently had a stroke and is barely there, another has dementia.
"They’re just two of many former players who are going through a tough time, and I wanted to do something to help."
A percentage of sales from Fitzgerald’s latest album will support the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association (IPFBA), who have served as the charity partner for PFA Ireland’s annual awards.
Formed in 2023 and led by former player Martin Lawlor, IPFBA’s aim is to provide support for the welfare of ex-professional footballers in Ireland.
”When Martin, a close friend and former team-mate, told me how many former players from 20 and 30 plus years ago were struggling, I offered my support to the IPFBA.
"The fundraising through the singles and album sales is still in its infancy, but when people realise it’s being done for the association, and the reasons behind it such as helping former players in their sixties and seventies with medical bills, they’re keen to support.