All-Ireland champions pay surprise hospital visit to fan who fell off ladder putting up Limerick flag

A HURLING fan who was injured after trying to put up a Limerick flag was “beaming” after receiving a special visit in the hospital this morning.

Captain Cian Lynch, Barry Nash, Tom Morrissey and manager John Kiely stopped by Michael O’Donogue's hospital room who fell off a ladder after putting up a Limerick flag at home before the All-Ireland semi-final.

Surrounded by family, the Corbally man also watched the historic win from his hospital bed, as he suffered from serious injuries after the fall.

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

Speaking of the match, she said: “It was unbelievable. The second half was amazing.”

She noted “It’s great for everyone and the city. The flags are all over the room here, and pictures too, the whole lot.”

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

When Limerick defeated Waterford in 2021 for the All-Ireland semi-final, a misadventure might have saved Michael’s life.

“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,” said Jennifer.

Speaking of his favourite hurling memory, Michael said: “Winning the All-Ireland in 2018 and the days after around Limerick, I’ll never forget it, the city was buzzing.”

From now on, Michael might have an even better hurling memory to share!