A FORMER Co Antrim hurler has been described as a "legend" following his death aged 38.
John McCaughan, who was from Cushendun, passed away on June 28 following a short illness.
Described as a "legend" by the many friends who knew him, Mr McCaughan played for Robert Emmetts in Cushendun but had played on many pitches further afield, including in London and New York.
Having first come to prominence as a schoolboy, attending Garron Tower, he went on to play an integral role for Cushendun, helping the team reach the Senior Championship final in 2000.
He later moved to New York, where he played alongside luminaries such as Dan Kinney for the Kilkenny team for a year before moving to London where he played for Robert Emmetts Hurling Club.
He played for the team for several seasons and won four senior Championships. In 2008, he was awarded a London All Star for his performances and remains the only Antrim man to win the accolade.
While in London, the 38-year-old 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.
On Facebook, Robert Emmetts Hurling Club in London described Mr McCaughan, who was living back in Cushendun before he passed away, as an "extremely, skilful hurler".
"John came from Cushendun in north Antrim to London in 2004, joined the Emmetts and helped us to win our very first senior county title that same year. He went on to win another three titles with us, including being part of the history-making All-Ireland winning team.
"He is greatly missed by all his team-mates, mentors and friends in London".
Requiem Mass for John McCaughan took place on Sunday at Craigagh Church in Cushendun with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
