Death of Tipp's oldest All-Ireland winner

August 30, 2019

A Tipperary flag. ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo.

The build-up to Tipperary's recent Liam MacCarthy Cup triumph was tinged with the sad news of the passing John Coffey, who had the distinction of being the Premier County's oldest surviving All-Ireland hurling medalist.

In his 102nd year, John died in Dublin where he had resided since 1948. Prior to moving to the capital, the Boherlahan native had played senior hurling for Tipp for eight years and won his only All-Ireland medal in 1945 when they beat Kilkenny in the final. They had earlier defeated Cork, who were going for five-in-a-row, and Limerick in the Munster SHC semi-final and final respectively.

Predeceased by his wife Catherine (Kitty), John is survived by his daughters Eleanor, Margaret and Tina, sons John, Brendan and Colm as well as extended family and friends.

May he rest in peace.

Follow the hoganstand.com match tracker on Sunday afternoon for live coverage of the All-Ireland SFC and MFC finals.


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