Ger Loughnane continues courageous fight against cancer

Clare hurling legend Ger Loughnane has become the latest person to be subjected to rumours of a premature death on the global social media service Twitter.

Mr Loughnane, 57, led Co Clare to its first All-Ireland win in more than 80 years in 1995 and repeated the triumph in 1997. He was diagnosed with leukaemia two weeks ago and is being treated at St James Hospital in Dublin.

Late last night reports were circulated on Twitter that hurling had lost one of its most iconic figures. Early this morning the Irish Examiner's Chief GAA correspondent John Fogarty commented on his personal Twitter account and paid tribute to the principal of St Aidan's National School in Shannon who is also a well-known commentator and media pundit.

Other media outlets were also circulating the story, and it appeared for ten minutes on the Irish Examiner website www.IrishExaminer.com before it was deleted.

John Fogarty has spoken to Mr Loughnane's wife and apologised profusely for adding to the confusion and for any hurt and distress he has caused and has removed his original message from his account. The Irish Examiner adds its apologies unreservedly and is reviewing its social media policies to ensure that no further such incidents take place.