New Zealand hurling trophy named in memory of late Tullamore man

A TROPHY for an innovative hurling competition in New Zealand has been named in memory of a late Tullamore man.

Ian Flanagan from Cloonagh died last year and his memory was celebrated in appropriate fashion in New Zealand in January. The late Ian Flanagan played with Christchurch hurlers and a hurling tournament between Queenstown and Christchurch took place in the Queenstown Rec Ground.

They played for the Ian Flanagan Trophy on a memorable day for the Irish community in New Zealand. A minutes silence was observed in his memory before the game. The occasion was a big celebration of Irish culture with all 32 counties represented and a special 'The Full 32' jersey produced.

Ian Flanagan was the son of Sean and Francis Flanagan – Francis is from Moorock Lodge, Ballycumber. He married a New Zealand girl, Albonie three years ago and his first cousin Niall Quinn, a brother of Ballycumber players Cormac and Jack, attended the tournament – former Offaly football star Colm Quinn is also a first cousin.