Ciaran Fitzgerald captained Ireland to the Triple Crown in 1982 and 1985, and the Five Nations Championship in 1983. He also captained the Lions on their 1983 tour.

Fitzgerald first played rugby while at Garbally College, and was chosen to play hooker by teacher and priest John Kirby. Fitzgerald played for University College Galway, and then went on to play senior rugby for St. Mary's College in Dublin.

Fitzgerald rose to prominence in the game, and made his test debut for Ireland against Australia on 3 June 1979, during an Irish tour of Australia. He captained Ireland to the Triple Crown in 1982 and 1985, and the Five Nations Championship in 1983. Fitzgerald's last test came against Scotland on 15 March 1986 in that year's Five Nations Championship. In total, Fitzgerald received 22 competitive and three friendly caps for Ireland. He scored once, a try against Wales, in the 1980 Five Nations. Fitzgerald also captained the British and Irish Lions team on their 1983 tour, when the team travelled to New Zealand and were beaten in each test against the All Blacks.

Though most widely remembered for playing rugby union, Fitzgerald was an accomplished sportsman, winning two All-Ireland boxing championships. He also played minor hurling for Galway the team he played with reached the minor final against Cork in 1970.

Fitzgerald studied at University College Galway, gaining a Bachelor's degree in 1973. Playing in the amateur era, Fitzgerald also maintained a career in the Irish Army. Fitzgerald also served as aide-de-camp to the President, Dr Patrick Hillery.