Teddy McCarthy was a superhero who wore his status lightly

We may all be capable of being heroes, just for one day, but Teddy Mac was one every day. And that’s why we loved him

FINAL JOURNEY: Pallbearers shoulder the remains of Cork sporting legend Teddy McCarthy to his final resting place at Rathcooney Cemetery after requiem mass at St Joseph's Church, Glanmire on Saturday. Pic Larry Cummins

It’s obvious that those who say that you should never meet your heroes had never met the great Teddy McCarthy. The outpouring of genuine love that accompanied the untimely passing of a genuine icon last week was felt from Sallybrook to Glanmire, from Cork to Donegal, from Ireland to, well, everywhere.

There was understandable disbelief at the sudden death of a young undisputed legend, because everybody had only just seen him. He was watching Cork and Kerry last Saturday, Cork and Offaly last Sunday, and on Monday he was in Ballinlough, watching his sons Niall and Cian help Passage defeat Na Piarsaigh in the final of the McCurtain Cup. Teddy Mac was a superhero who walked among us every day, and wore his status lightly.