Tributes have flooded in for a Co Antrim hurling fan described as "part of the DNA" of his local club following his death.
John McKillop, who lived in Cushendall and was known throughout the Glens as the biggest supporter of Ruairí Ógs CLG, died on Sunday.
The 60-year-old was hugely popular with the Cushendall team and its fans, and was welcomed to the sidelines by management during matches.
John's support for his beloved club is immortalised in a mural at the side of Cushendall's Lurig Bar.
Read more:
- At 60, John McKillop still the main man and always part of Cushendall's DNA
- John McKillop - the most famous face of Ruairi Ogs
- Off the Fence: Praise floods in for Boot Room on John McKillop
The mural is based on Irish News photographer Seamus Loughran's snap of 'Wee John' as he accompanied Ruairí Ógs onto the pitch ahead of a 2015 county final clash against rivals Ballycastle.
Throughout the years, John would turn up to watch training sessions, and would volunteer his time by assisting coaches with tasks and lifting players' spirits.
In a statement from the club on Sunday, John was described as “an integral part of the DNA of Ruairí Óg”.
“He could be seen around Páirc Mhuire and further afield supporting his beloved Ruairí Óg whenever he could. If the Ruairís were playing, you can be sure Wee John was there, be it camogie or hurling, senior or juvenile, a championship final or training.
“His cheeky grin was something special and often a spur of motivation to any team taking to the field.”
Ruairí Ógs also named their strength and conditioning suite after John, in tribute to his many years of steadfast support.
“There just aren’t enough words to do a legend of John’s standing any justice,” the club added.
“A truly special and unique character that touched many lives and left many memories in all our hearts. Rest in peace Wee John, a true Ruairí Óg and our main man always.”
Last month, photographer Seamus Loughran recalled taking his famous picture that would go on to be recreated in the mural in Cushendall.
"John had a big smile and was walking along in the middle of the players. His body language was saying to me that he was so proud to be there and to be part of that group," he said, adding: "I would rank it as one of the best photographs I’ve ever taken.”
GAA social media personality Buff Egan was among those to pay tribute to John on Sunday.
"Sad to hear of the death of the iconic John McKillop, Mr Cushendall hurling," Egan wrote in a Facebook post, adding John was “one of the great characters of hurling”.
His funeral will take place at St Mary's Church in Cushendall at 10am on Wednesday, followed by a burial at the adjoining cemetery.
