Cork GAA mourn death of superfan 'Jonty' O'Leary

'Jonty' O'Leary, one of Cork GAA's most loyal and colourful supporters, has passed away.
Cork GAA mourn death of superfan 'Jonty' O'Leary
Cork fans Cyril Kavanagh and Jonty O'Leary celebrate against Dublin in the All-Ireland ladies football final at Croke Park in 2016. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

'Jonty' O'Leary, one of Cork GAA's most loyal and colourful supporters, has passed away.

O'Leary's red and white outfits and sombrero hats made him one of the most recognisable fans in the country and he delighted in cheering on Cork sides in all codes and grades over the past 60 years.

Joe Seward, sports presenter with Life FM, paid tribute to his friend: "Jonty played the drums in the Rebel Band and could be seen anywhere from Donegal to Dungarvan or Croke Park to Cusack Park cheering on his beloved Rebels in the company of his great friends and band colleagues: Thomas 'Bomber' Roche, Pa 'The Piper' O'Leary; Cyril' The Bird' Kavanagh; Ray Lucey, Shane Murphy and Eddie The 'Eagle 'Burns.

"Jonty attended his first All-Ireland in 1956 and was a constant presence at Kent Station to greet Cork teams whether they won or lost championship deciders at Croke Park.

"Cork wasn't his sole love and witnessing his beloved Barrs win the Cork County Senior Football Championship in 2018 after a 33 year wait was also a particularly special moment which he cherished and celebrated as only he could.

"Whatever the result, Jonty ensured the mood stayed upbeat and he was the perennial optimist."

more articles

GAA: Cork beat Waterford, Wexford and Clare play out draw GAA: Cork beat Waterford, Wexford and Clare play out draw
Páirc Uí Chaoimh officially renamed as part of SuperValu partnership Páirc Uí Chaoimh officially renamed as part of SuperValu partnership
Páirc Uí Chaoimh officially renamed SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh Páirc Uí Chaoimh officially renamed SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

More in this section

14-man Mayo overcome Galway in Connacht U20 Championship 14-man Mayo overcome Galway in Connacht U20 Championship
A general view of Cusack Park 22/6/2019 Dublin and Kildare make strong starts to Leinster MFC
Bobby Nugent 21/1/2024 Bobby Nugent snatches Roscommon a draw with defending Connacht U20 champions Sligo
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited