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25th Jul 2023

Limerick hurlers make hospital visit to fan injured trying to put up All-Ireland flag

Simon Kelly

A classy gesture.

A Limerick man injured while trying to put up his county’s flag outside his home was surprised by members of the All-Ireland winning hurling team in hospital.

Acting Limerick captain Cian Lynch, Barry Nash, Tom Morrissey and manager John Kiely visited Michael O’Donoghue’s hospital room as he recovered from the fall.

Mr. O’Donoghue, who fell off a ladder after putting up a Limerick flag at home before the All-Ireland semi-final, had to watch his county’s historic win from his hospital bed.

(Photo: UL Hospitals on Twitter)

Limerick fan wants to be at Croke Park for ‘five-in-a-row’

Michael’s daughter, Jennifer O’Donoghue, told the Limerick Leader: “We watched the match in the hospital with dad and my nephew Shane.

“He couldn’t believe it, you can tell by his face. It’s great for him, he deserves it. He’s on the mend, but he’s got a long road for recovery. He’s in serious damage, he’s very lucky.

“He’s emotional because he wasn’t there, but we’re gonna head for the five-in-a-row so he’ll be there next year.”

Massive Limerick homecoming

This wasn’t the first time Mr. O’Donoghue had an incident regarding his health while supporting his beloved county either, his daughter said.

“When Limerick played Waterford in the semi-final, my dad got a bad turn in Croke park and ended up in the medics room. After that he got himself checked out and little did we know he actually had to get stints put in, so not only did Limerick win the All-Ireland that year, they saved Mike’s life.”

The hurlers also visited the Children’s Ark Paediatric Unit in the hospital, showing off the Liam MacCarthy cup to loads of excited kids receiving care and giving them a chance to see their heroes up close.

Around 15,000 supporters gathered in the centre of Limerick City yesterday to welcome home their four-in-a-row champs after the teams emphatic win over Kilkenny on Sunday.

The victory makes Limerick the third county ever to win four consecutive All Ireland senior hurling titles.

Header image via Sportsfile.

Watch our All-Ireland hurling final review show with Davy Fitzgerald right here

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