Family launches appeal to find rare helmet for promising young hurler from Tipperary

A grandmother in Clonmel has made a heartfelt appeal to the community in the hopes that someone can find a very rare hurling helmet that her grandson has been searching for.

Her grandson Zack is just shy of his eleventh birthday and is a passionate and dedicated GAA player. Training three to four times a week and proudly playing for two local teams, his love for the game runs deep.

"He made captain of the U12's Gaelic team for commercials two weeks ago," said Zack's grandmother when speaking to Tipperary Live.

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"He also plays soccer for Clonmel Celtic and attends the soccer academy in Clonmel. We as Zack's family truly believe he is going places in the world of local sport," she explained. 

Young Zack lost his father, Adam Hannigan, suddenly last November, who was the very person he shared so many special moments with, especially attending Tipperary matches together.

Those cherished memories remain close to his heart, and through hurling, he continues to hold onto that special connection.

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Recently, he’s had his heart set on one particular item: a yellow Cooper 100 hurling helmet. 

His grandmother has searched everywhere, both online and in shops, hoping to find the helmet at a price she can afford.

Unfortunately, the only option she had found was priced at around €125 and that listing has since been removed, leaving her back at square one.

Zack’s grandmother has also contacted the helmet’s manufacturer, but was told that due to ongoing production issues, new stock is not expected to be available for several months.

“I just don’t want to disappoint him,” she said. “After everything he’s been through, I’d love to see him smile.”

Now, she’s turning to the kindness of the community, hoping someone might have a second-hand helmet to sell at a more affordable price, or perhaps know where one can be found.