Limerick super fan John Hunt has sadly passed away at the age of 98.
The Athea native made a memorable appearance on The Late Late Show last September when All-Ireland winning manager John Kiely and captain Declan Hannon were Ryan Tubridy’s guests.
John – who had made the long trip from Chicago to witness history in the making at GAA HQ – was in the audience and he recalled seeing the legendary Mick Mackey in action in the 1936 All-Ireland final.
This Limerick man, long emigrated to Chicago, is 98 years old. He saw the Treaty win the All-Ireland in 1936. He saw them win it at Croke Park in 2018. He had never held aloft Liam MacCarthy. Until now... #RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/WjNb42SPcZ
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) September 7, 2018
“I saw Mick Mackey going down that field with the sliotar in one hand and the hurl in the other, and the ref never saw him from one end of the field to the other,” he enthused before adding: “If St Peter gets me at the gate I couldn't be happier now they've won that cup.”
John got to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup and captain Hannon presented him with the match sliotar from their 3-16 to 2-18 victory over Galway signed by the team.
TweetWith deep sadness we regret to inform you of the passing of a true GAA legend, John Hunt. We extend our sincerest and deepest sympathies to his entire family and friends on their great loss. May he Rest In Peace https://t.co/HcjP0pfWxI
— Chicago GAA (@ChicagoGAA) March 30, 2019