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Offaly Legend Johnny Flaherty Has Passed Away

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 13:30

Photo credit: Offaly GAA

The hurling legend played over 60 games for the Faithful County.

Offaly hurling legend Johnny Flaherty has passed away at the age of 74.

The Kinnitty man scored the crucial goal as the Faithful won their first ever All Ireland hurling title in 1981.

He played 66 times for Offaly between 1966 and 1983 having worked in America during what should have been the peak of his career.

The All Star winner has been remembered as "breathtakingly audacious" and a "great character from a great team."

County Board Chairman Michael Duignan has paid tribute to Johnny, saying:

“Johnny Flaherty is one of the great legends of Offaly GAA who made a very special contribution to hurling in the county. His famous goal in the 1981 All-Ireland final is one of the truly iconic moments in the GAA as Offaly finally joined hurling’s elite.

It was brilliant that Johnny’s perseverance in the Offaly colours, through good times and bad, would eventually bring the reward that he and his team mates deserved. That 1981 triumph inspired a new generation of Offaly hurlers who went on to achieve success at all levels.

I know Johnny took great delight in the revival of Offaly hurling’s fortunes in recent years and was thrilled with Leinster titles won by the Minor and Under 20 teams, and their appearances in All-Ireland finals. His presence at our games will be sorely missed from now on."

Pre-deceased by his wife Margaret, Johnny is survived by his daughters Shauna and Claire, other family members, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

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