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17 Apr 2026

Young Tipperary hurling fan delighted after social media helps track down rare helmet

Grandmother’s heartfelt appeal leads to special helmet that helps young Zack stay connected to his late father and his love of hurling.

Young Tipperary hurling fan delighted after social media helps track down rare helmet

Zack Hannigan with his grandmother Robbie in his new helmet.

A young Tipperary hurling fan is 'on cloud nine' when he was finally presented with a rare yellow hurling helmet that he was searching for, after his grandmother made a plea to the public after she found a new one would not be produced by the manufacturing company for another eight months.

Zack Hannigan's grandmother Robbie Fitzgerald reached out to Tipperary Live last week, searching for the rare yellow cooper 100 helmet her grandson was looking for so desperately. 

"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.

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

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

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.

READ NEXT: Tipperary council seeks new law to compel walkers, cyclists, e-scooter users to don hi-vis

Zack's grandmother has since sent Tipperary Live an update on the search for the rare yellow helmet. 

"Zack's cousin Mark Hannigan saw the article online and he commented saying he could source the rare helmet," said Zack's grandmother Robbie on Wednesday April 15.

"He is on cloud nine today upon receiving it, I'd really love to thank everyone who commented and reached out to help we really are so very grateful to you all," said Robbie.

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