The Late Late Show returned to our TV screens for a new season last night and it was a show that dedicated Limerick hurling fan John Hunt won’t forget in a hurry.
The Treaty County’s All-Ireland winning manager John Kiely, captain Declan Hannon and Strength & Conditioning coach Joe O’Connor joined host Ryan Tubridy on the sofa to reflect on their long-awaited Liam MacCarthy Cup success this summer.
98-year-old John – who 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.
“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.
He added: “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 flies back to the US today with a special souvenir of the occasion in his luggage as captain Hannon presented him with the match sliotar from their 3-16 to 2-18 victory over Galway - signed by the team!
It was a brilliant gesture from the Adare clubman and his team-mates...
TweetThis 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