John Mc Caughan R.I.P
John Mc Caughan R.I.P
The untimely passing of John Mc Caughan at the age of only 38 has sent shockwaves throughout the community. Tributes to John were coming in from all over North Antrim and further afield last evening as the devastating news of his death following a short illness spread through the village.
Lifelong friend, teammate and work colleague,Dominic Magee described him as a legend while others recounted his glory days on the hurling fields of Antrim, London and New York.
John rose to prominence as a hurler when his talents were recognised in Garron Tower. He collected a colleges All Star award for his performances with the college team. A speedy wing half forward with a keen eye for a score, he soon went on to become one of the younger members of the most successful team Cushendun has produced in a generation. He was an integral part of the team that made it all the way to the Senior Championship Final in 2000.We all know the outcome of that final, however John scored an inspirational point that day shortly after half time to briefly give us a lead over Dunloy and a glimmer of hope that our dream of winning might come true. Sadly it wasn’t to be. However John was a rising star and he left Cushendun to seek fame and fortune in far off lands. He travelled to New York where he played alongside luminaries such as Dan Kinney for the Kilkenny team for a year before heading to London where he really made name for himself on the hurling field. Along with Danny Murphy he starred for the Robert Emmets club for several seasons and won four senior Championships with The Emmets. The 2008 London County final was notable for the fact that when Murphy got sent off after three minutes, John had to carry the rest of the team to victory with a man of the match performance. John won a London All star award that year for his classy performances and is still the only Antrim man to win this accolade. While in London, he was selected to play County Hurling and along with five other North Antrim men helped London to win the inaugural Nicky Rackard All Ireland Cup in 2005. This was a proud day for his mother Eileen who travelled to the match and was thrilled to watch her son climb the steps of the Hogan Stand to collect his medal.
John will be sorely missed by everyone in the club. To his mother Eileen, sisters, Clare and Seana, brothers in law Brendan and Michael, his nephews and nieces and the extended Mc Caughan family we offer our sincere condolences at this sad time.
John, May you never walk alone!
John’s Funeral mass will be held on Sunday 1stJuly at 12.00 in Craigagh.
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam
DM