Tributes pour in for Longford GAA stalwart

The much admired and deeply respected 96-year-old died last Thursday evening, prompting a flood of warm messages and outpourings of support online.

A diehard champion of all things Mostrim GAA, Johnny, like many of his peers of that generation, spent much of his formative years living and working across the Irish Sea.

In a poignant tribute on its own Facebook page last week, Mostrim GAA said it had lost one of its most endearing of figureheads.

“Johnny was a great character who always had a warm welcome for everyone he met,” read the post.

“Johnny ran the very popular local pub the Sportsman Inn for many years which was a great social spot thanks to the warm welcome from Johnny.”

Those testimonies were ones which garnered a huge reaction online with a number describing the Edgeworthstown GAA stalwart as a “fantastic character and gentleman”.

Former RTÉ Midlands Correspondent Ciaran Mullolly echoed those views, saying Johnny's legacy would ultimately stand the test of time.

“We soldiered in Pearse Park and dozens of other parks down the years in support of the blue and gold with Jackie Devine and others,” he wrote.

“Johnny was a legend - and will never be forgotten.”

Having returned to his native town by 1973, Johnny took over the helm of The Sportsman’s Inn, a venue which would go on to become one of the county’s most popular social hubs.

The establishment is one which is now spearheaded by Johnny’s nephew, Gerry who likewise paid his own moving tribute on social media this week.

Aptly carrying the title, ‘The Man The Myth The Legend’, Gerry said his presence in and around his native town was a void that would never be replaced.

“Mr Johnny Lynn sadly passed away peacefully last night 4/05/2023,” he wrote.

“He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

“At the age of 96 he had the best life and made so many memories with great stories for all to remember.”

The late Johnny Lynn was laid to rest in Aughafin cemetery following funeral mass St. Mary's Church, Edgeworthstown last Saturday.

He is survived by predeceased by his partner Florrie Wright and his brothers Michael, Billy and Paddy, sister Josie and will be sadly missed by his sisters Eileen and Kitty, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends.