Sadness at passing of Cushendall superfan John McKillop
July 31, 2023
Cushendall captain Paddy Burke raises the Four Seasons Cup (Ulster club SHC) with supporter John McKillop. ©INPHO/Declan Roughan.
Many tributes have been paid to Cushendall superfan John McKillop who has passed away.
John, who celebrated his 60th birthday earlier this year, was part of the fabric of the Co. Antrim club and was one of the most recognisable GAA supporters in the country. Such was the esteem he was held in by Ruairí Óg that they named their new strength and conditioning gym after him, while he received the ‘Ruairí Óg Supporter of the Year’ award annually.
In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, his beloved club said: “Wee John has been an integral part of the DNA of Ruairí Óg all his life. He could be seen around Páirc Mhuire and further afield supporting his beloved Ruairí Óg whenever he could.
“If the Ruairí’s were playing you can be sure Wee John was there, be it Camogie or Hurling, Senior or Juvenile, a championship final or training. His cheeky grin was something special and often a spur of motivation to any team taking to the field.
“John would often wander onto the side line and into the middle of huddles to give a last-minute pep talk and anyone lucky enough to witness this would agree that these moments of pure passion and love for his team was truly an honour to experience.
“John was no stranger to silverware and proudly lifted the Senior Feis Cup, The Four Seasons and his dearly beloved Big Ears (The Volunteer Cup) for all the Cushendall supporters to see, on many occasions. To win a championship is a fantastic feeling, but to witness Wee John march the steps of any stand beside our team captains to raise the coveted prize is a sight no one would tire of seeing and one every Ruairí Óg is incredibly proud to have watched.
“It is hard to put into words the profound impact Wee John has had on us all as a club and community. There just aren’t enough words to do a legend of John’s standing any justice. A truly special and unique character that touched many lives and left many memories in all our hearts.
“Today we mourn the loss of a true hero, the epitome of what we as Gaels stand for, the heartbeat of Ruairí Óg. How lucky are we to have been a part of such a special life. John’s memory will live on in our club, our community and further afield as we say slán to one of the best.
“Rest in peace Wee John, a true Ruairí Óg and our main man always.”
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