Limerick and Offaly legends meet at big hurling match in Tullamore
McManus and Martin renewed acquaintances
When legends meet: Legendary Limerick GAA sponsor and business man JP McManus were pictured with Offaly hurling goalkeeping hero Damien Martin at Offaly's defeat by Limerick in the National Hurling League in O'Connor Park on Sunday last.
Martin was Offaly's first hurling All-Star in 1971 and was in fantastic form as Offaly won their first Leinster and All-Ireland senior hurling titles in 1980 and 1981. His great career spanned the 1960s, '70s and '80s and he was a serial Senior Hurling Championship medal winner with St Rynagh's.
Martin is a regular steward at games in O'Connor Park as well as his home ground in Banagher. Martin and McManus briefly worked together as young men driving diggers back in the 1960s before their lives took very different twists and turns.
A phenomenally successful business man and race horse owner, McManus is also a renowned GAA supporter. His backing has been a major factor in Limerick's great hurling success in recent year while he showed his generosity when making a €1million donation to every GAA County Board a few years ago – to be divided equally among all its clubs, including ladies football and camogie.