Loughnane in high spirits as he continues on road to recovery

HURLING legend Ger Loughnane was last night in good form and responding well to medical treatment, contrary to erroneous internet reports that he had died on Wednesday.

Clare County Board PRO Syl O’Connor confirmed last night rumours of the hurling legend’s death were unfounded, despite Twitter and internet messaging board claims from 11pm on Wednesday night through to early yesterday morning.

Loughnane, who was diagnosed last month with leukaemia, is responding well to treatment for the disease. O’Connor revealed he was inundated with calls of concern regarding Loughnane but was happy to confirm there was no truth to suggestions he had passed away.

“There was a lot of confusion about the place,” he said.

“I received the first phone call about Ger at 10pm on Wednesday night. After that I was inundated with calls until nearly two in the morning. But by about 8am yesterday morning, I had made a call and was happy to state that they were totally untrue. It was very strange how this malicious rumour started but thankfully there is no truth to it.

“Everybody I spoke to yesterday about it was genuinely delighted that that was the case and there was no truth. People were very happy to find out that there was no bad news.”

O’Connor pleaded for Loughnane and his family’s privacy to be respected in the coming weeks as he continues to receive treatment.

“He is responding well to the treatment and they are hoping to let him out for a few days next week, all going well.

“The one thing I would wish now is that people would let him and the family get on with it. I said it when news of his illness first emerged and I’ll say it again, people should not make this story anything that it isn’t. We don’t want anybody to preempt anything, just let whatever is to happen, happen. We all wish him well.”

Meanwhile Matt Purcell, a spokesperson for the Loughnane family, revealed on Clare FM yesterday that the 57-year-old is “as bright as a button” as he continues treatment.

“I was just talking to Ger’s family and thankfully he is still very much with us. He is as bright as a button and extremely well. He couldn’t be in better form and is responding 100% to treatment.

“The family were inundated with messages and calls yesterday and it was gone to a ridiculous point. How could someone start something stupid like that on the internet? Thankfully we can set the record straight. Everything is going well and according to plan with his treatment. That’s about all there is to it.”