Limerick man flies flag from UHL after falling off ladder trying to put it up

WHILE the Limerick hurlers were climbing the All-Ireland ladder, one enthusiastic fan unfortunately fell off his as he was putting up a green flag at home.

Corbally man Michael O’Donoghue suffered from serious injuries after the fall.

As word got around University Hospital Limerick, Michael received a lovely visit from star Limerick forward and radiographer at the hospital, Séamus Flanagan, ahead of the semi-final against Galway.

Michael's daughter, Jennifer O’Donoghue, said: “He popped into him and really lifted his spirits. He told Mike he would win the match for him, and now we are in the All-Ireland final.”

Michael ended up watching the semi-final in the ICU with his family. Speaking of his favourite hurling memory, he recalled:

“Winning the All-Ireland in 2018 and the days after around Limerick, I’ll never forget it, the city was buzzing.”

WATCH: John Kiely talks about All-Ireland final and privilege of managing Limerick

Even though he couldn’t make it to Croker to see the Limerick hurlers bossing it against Galway, he didn’t want his daughter Jennifer and his four grandchildren to miss out on the experience.

Jennifer started going to the hurling matches with her dad at a young age. All she ever wanted was to see Limerick winning an All-Ireland.

“I remember always saying all we ever want is to see one All-Ireland in my lifetime, as my dad did in 1973.

“And look at what Limerick has given us now.

“We are very lucky to have witnessed what John Kiely and the boys have done for Limerick,” she said.

This year, Michael will be watching the final from the hospital, with his daughter and grandson.

As a green flag is flying high outside his house, Michael can’t wait to be back at the matches next season to cheer on the champions alongside family and friends.

The Declan Hannon fan has two predictions for this Sunday: “A win and a good game of hurling,” he smiled.