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Jonty O’Leary was an unconditional rebel, following his county’s fortunes in every code, increasingly.
The passionate pitcher and soccer fan was also an enthusiastic follower of St Finbarr’s.
Jonty’s colorful outfits and red and white hat made him recognizable throughout the GAA world.
The death notice read by Timmy ‘Jonty’ O’Leary read:
“Julia’s dear husband (nee Twomey) and much-loved father of Patrick and Bríd (Comerford). Sadly missed by his beloved family, sisters Lorette and Margie, son-in-law Jonathan, Patrick Sarah’s partner, beloved grandchildren Laura, Joe and Julie , nephews, nieces, sister-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbors and a great circle of friends, especially Seanie Walsh and Cork Rebel Band. “
The premature and sad passing of Jonty, one of Cork GAA’s most colorful and iconic supporters, will leave a huge void both on GAA’s terraces and among his fellow rebel gang members with whom he traveled the length and breadth of Ireland.
Jonty supported Cork in American football, Gaelic football, camouflage, and women’s football in all ages and grades in winter, spring, summer, and fall.
The McGrath Cup, the National League games and the championship were treated with equal importance by Jonty.
‘Let the game travel’ was largely his mission statement and will also be his defining legacy.
Jonty played drums in the Rebel Band and could be seen anywhere from Donegal to Dungarvan, from Croke Park to Cusack Park, cheering on his beloved Rebels.
His great friends and band colleagues Thomas ‘Bomber’ Roche, Pa ‘The Piper’ O’Leary, Cyril ‘The Bird’ Kavanagh, Ray Lucey, Shane Murphy and Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Burns invariably followed.
Jonty attended his first All-Ireland in 1956 and was a permanent plate at the Kent station to greet the Cork teams, whether they won or lost.
He embodied the essence of loyalty to the rebellious cause in both victory and defeat.
I remember walking down Parnell Street from Croke Park after a Cork game and Jonty’s hat was taken by some undesirables.
I managed to get it back and felt how important it was to him a symbol of his identity cork on the terraces and defined who was a ‘Rebel to the core’.
He was also a true blue and seeing his beloved Barrs win the 2018 Cork County Senior Football Championship after a 33-year wait was also a particularly special moment that he appreciated and celebrated as only he could.
I traveled in his company many times and these trips to a game invariably turned into a long weekend.
Win, lose or draw, Jonty made sure there were no regrets.
Rest in peace Jonty hope you have the season ticket for the corporate box in heaven.
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