Davy Fitzgerald Discusses Son Colm’s Legal Troubles and Online Abuse

Davy Fitzgerald has publicly addressed the challenges faced by his son, Colm Fitzgerald, following a suspended sentence linked to theft. Colm, aged 28, received a 12-month suspended sentence in 2023 after admitting to stealing money from his employer, the Bank of Ireland. Davy, who is well-known as a coach on the television show Ireland’s Fittest Family, expressed both pride and concern regarding his son’s situation.

In an interview with the RTE Guide, Davy acknowledged that Colm “knows he made a mistake,” but emphasized that he remains “proud as punch” of him despite the difficulties. He elaborated on the considerable online abuse that his family has endured over the years, particularly directed at his father, Pat Fitzgerald, a former secretary of Clare GAA.

Davy reflected on the impact that being in the public eye has had on his family, stating, “Me and my family go through the good and bad of life, same as anyone.” He described how the online criticism has affected him personally, noting, “Some of the stuff that would have happened in recent years with my dad, abuse on social media, I found that very hard to take.”

Over time, Davy has learned to cope with the negative feedback, although he insists that such abuse should not be tolerated. He remarked, “Now I’ve grown better at letting it go – although it shouldn’t be acceptable either.”

Colm Fitzgerald’s struggles also include a gambling addiction, a fact that Davy believes has been exacerbated by their family’s visibility. He stated, “He made a mistake and that was on him. But was it all magnified because he is my son? Yes.” Davy expressed his regret that Colm had to navigate additional challenges due to their public status, saying, “He had to deal with some extra stuff, and I felt that was my fault.”

Despite the difficulties, Davy is resolute about supporting his son. “I won’t be hiding away from it, and he won’t be hiding away. It’s common now; he got addicted to gambling and certain things happened,” he said. He also acknowledged that the public scrutiny can be intense, stating, “You’re going to have that when you’re in the public eye. People try to portray you in a certain way and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Davy Fitzgerald concluded with a strong message about the importance of well-being, asserting, “Once the people I know are healthy and happy, that’s the most important thing.” His candid dialogue highlights not only the personal struggles of his family but also the broader implications of public life and the challenges it can bring.