TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to a man described as Munster rugby’s “number one fan”, after he collapsed and died in Paris at the weekend.
Johnny Flanagan (61) died from a suspected heart attack as he and his wife Irene (60) went to take their seats for the Ireland v France, Six Nations clash, which never went ahead last Saturday night. Mr Flanagan and his wife had travelled together all over Europe on Munster away match trips for the past 13 years. The pair even became regulars on the Munster team plane as they flew out with their heroes and their families to games in France, England, Wales, Scotland and Italy.
The sad news was been circulated last night to Munster rugby legends Paul O’Connell, Alan Quinlan and Donncha O’Callaghan, who had become personal friends of Mr and Mrs Flanagan.
John Cantwell, the director of Thomond Park, Munster’s home ground, led tributes yesterday. “John and Irene were great friends of Thomond Park. I’m so very sorry to hear that news. We extend our condolences to their family,” Mr Cantwell said.