Linda Walks Out with the QPR Stars!

It is always a pleasure to report on the wonderful achievements of our Sacred Heart alumnae, and luckily for us, Linda Fitzgerald has been up to something amazing...

Linda recently enjoyed an unforgettable experience after being selected to walk onto the pitch with the QPR first‑team players during their match against Middlesbrough on International Women's Day.

The invitation came after her son, Ciaran, nominated her as part of a special QPR initiative inviting supporters to nominate a mother or mother‑figure whose strength, kindness and resilience deserved to be recognised. Fans responded in overwhelming numbers, and 11 women were chosen to walk out with the team before kick‑off, celebrating the important role women play both on and off the pitch.

Linda, a Sacred Heart alumna, was completely taken by surprise. The nomination followed a particularly challenging year for her, which included the unexpected loss of her own Mum on the 3rd anniversary of losing her father, and major knee surgery. Reflecting on the moment she found out, Linda said she was truly shocked by the honour.

Football, and QPR in particular, has been an important part of Linda’s life since childhood. Her dad took her to her first match when she was just 8 years old, and they attended games together for many years. Linda has continued that tradition with her own family, keeping those connections strong.

On match day, Linda and the other selected women were welcomed onto the pitch for photographs, met club ambassador Andy Sinton and were presented with blue‑and‑white bouquets. They then walked out alongside the players in front of the crowd, with their names read out and photos displayed on the big screen.

Linda described the experience as surreal, deeply meaningful and one she will never forget. She remains extremely proud of Ciaran for nominating her for such a special International Women’s Day and Mother's Day honour.

Linda Fitzgerald (née Haughey)
Sacred Heart High School, 1973–1980

Thank you to Linda and Carmella for sharing this wonderful story with us. If you, the reader, have been up to anything exciting, we would love to hear about it and share it with our community. Simply email comms@sacredh.lbhf.sch.uk and let’s get the conversation started!