Birmingham City is mourning the loss of John Fitzgerald, a beloved figure in the city’s Irish community. Fitzgerald, a former music promoter and owner of Minstrel Music, was known for his significant contributions to Irish culture in Birmingham. He managed his store, famous for its Irish trinkets and essentials, for over 40 years and was deeply involved in promoting Irish music and festivals in the area. Tributes have poured in from friends, customers, and local personalities, all highlighting his generosity, kindness, and enduring support for Irish culture (Irish America | Irish America) (The Irish Post).
Birmingham City is mourning the loss of John Fitzgerald, a beloved figure in the city’s Irish community and a notable local legend. Fitzgerald, a former music promoter and the long-time owner of the popular Irish store Minstrel Music, passed away recently, leaving a profound void in the hearts of many who knew him.
John Fitzgerald’s journey began in Gobbinstown, County Wexford, Ireland. He moved to England in 1957, where he quickly immersed himself in the vibrant Irish music scene. Fitzgerald became a prominent music promoter, known for managing and promoting several major Irish acts, including his long-time friend Brendan Shine. His passion for music also saw him performing as the lead singer of the 1970s band The Castaways (Irish America | Irish America) (The Irish Post).
In 1979, Fitzgerald opened Minstrel Music in Birmingham’s Sparkbrook area. The store became an iconic establishment within the Irish community, often described as an Aladdin’s cave filled with Irish trinkets, music, giftware, and essentials such as Irish dancing shoes and GAA jerseys. The store later relocated to the Birmingham Irish Centre in Digbeth, where it continued to serve the community until 2020, when the Irish Centre moved to a new location. Following this move, Fitzgerald decided to retire, closing the shop and spending more time with his beloved wife, Margaret, and their seven children (Irish America | Irish America) (The Irish Post).
Fitzgerald’s impact extended far beyond his store. He was instrumental in organizing numerous concerts and festivals in Birmingham, including the Midlands Irish Festival and the Minstrel Music Charity Nights. His contributions to the Irish community in Birmingham were recognized in 2020 when he and his wife were honored at the Irish Post St. Patrick’s Breakfast for their long-standing dedication and service.
The news of Fitzgerald’s passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from all corners of the community. Ita McKenna, a friend and admirer, described him as a “wonderful man who brought great Irish bands and events to Birmingham over the years.” She remembered his shop as a treasure trove of Irish goods, and highlighted his generosity, noting that he never hesitated to donate items to various charitable causes (Irish America | Irish America) (The Irish Post).
Angela McGhee, another member of the community, praised Fitzgerald as a “gentle man, knowledgeable, wise, and kind,” and a significant part of the Irish Centre culture at Digbeth. Pete Bipsham of the Birmingham Irish Folk band Drowsie Maggie, expressed his gratitude for Fitzgerald’s support during the band’s early days, describing him as a “true gentleman with time for everyone” (Irish America | Irish America) (The Irish Post).
Local radio presenter Bob Brolly shared heartfelt memories of his friendship with Fitzgerald, recalling the many hours they spent chatting and drinking tea. He noted Fitzgerald’s deep love for his family and his commitment to all things Irish, stating that he was “one of the greatest Irish men I will ever know” (Irish America | Irish America) (The Irish Post).
John Fitzgerald’s legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his community. His contributions to Birmingham’s Irish community, both through his store and his involvement in music and charity, have left an indelible mark. As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Fitzgerald’s impact will be remembered and cherished for many years to come (Irish America | Irish America) (The Irish Post).
His passing is a significant loss, not only to his family and friends but to the entire Birmingham community. Funeral details are yet to be announced, but the legacy of John Fitzgerald, the true gentleman of Birmingham, will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate within the community he served so faithfully.
