Gaels go to their God after Limerick final win
TWO PROUD GAA men witnessed Limerick's historic four-in-a-row before they were called to their eternal reward in the hours after the All-Ireland final.
Sean Mulqueen, aged 78, of Crean, Bruff passed away at home on the morning after the All-Ireland final. Sean Finn's jersey from the 2020 final was later draped over the dairy farmer's coffin.
When Bruff men Sean Finn, who worked on the farm over the years, and Paul Browne brought the Liam MacCarthy Cup to Mr Mulqueen in 2018, his son Roger said his dad felt like he was 10 feet tall after the visit.
Ted O'Dea, aged 92, of Ballinagally, Kilteely, slipped away in his sleep on the night of the All-Ireland, quietly and without any fuss, just like the way he had lived his life.
A tribute by Kilteely-Dromkeen GAA detailed how much their life president gave to the club on the pitch, then on committees and his vision in purchasing a suitable playing field to serve the growing needs of the club.
It also highlighted how much pleasure Limerick's 2018 win after 45 years, and subsequent victories has brought - and especially during Covid lockdowns.
“Our hurlers’ recent Liam MacCarthy victories have given Limerick’s more elderly supporters - for so long used to hard luck stories and disappointment - huge amounts of joy and happiness in the twilight of their lives. Long may that continue,” penned the club.
Fittingly, both Mr Mulqueen and Mr O'Dea are pictured holding the Liam MacCarthy Cup - something that perhaps they thought they would never see before going to their God.