The story behind GAA fan Frank Hogan's famous John 3:7 sign

Analysis: how a born-again Christian and his sign became one of the most recognisable faces in the crowd at GAA matches countrywide

There is no shortage of GAA supporters around the country, but very few become truly familiar to us on a national level. Many of them become recognisable because of the way they dress: Jonty O'Leary and Cyril Kavanagh in their Cork sombreros or Limerick’s Pa Buckley in his cowboy hat and face-paints. Other supporters slip onto our radar simply because they make their presence known at so many games: Mick McDonagh behind the vacant terrace in his Offaly jersey or Buff Egan with his trusty rubber duck and powerbank so that he can capture key moments to share with his thousands of social media followers.

But arguably the most recognisable GAA supporter of them all was the late Frank Hogan and his yellow John 3:7 sign. Like many GAA supporters, Frank spent every weekend of the summer attending games around the country. Originally from Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary, he made his home in Castletroy, Co. Limerick and followed Limerick GAA for over 30 years.

What made him stand out from other supporters was the large 'John 3:7' sign he carried with him to each game. Being a devout born again Christian, Frank’s mission was to bring God’s message to others through his distinctive hoarding display at major GAA matches.

The inspiration for the sign came after Frank noticed one of similar design in the crowd as tennis player Pat Cash was presented with the trophy after winning the men’s singles tournament at Wimbledon in 1987. That sign was much smaller than Frank's and read 'John 3:16’, a reference to a verse from the Bible, namely 'for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever