Fight for Johnny's Girls Laois man Johnathan 'Micko' McCowen has died in Australia
RIP
Portarlington man Jonathan McCowen, who inspired a huge community fundraiser effort in his home town and in his adopted Australia, has died following a long illness bravely battled.
Formerly Station Road, Portarlington, Jonathan 'Micko' McCowen lived in Brisbane with his wife Sherie and two children Darcy and Riley.
His sister-in-law Maureen McCowen, was involved with the fundraiser, She said it has been a really tough time for the family since his diagnosis.
“The one thing that has always been there is the support of his friends, particularly his friends in Portarlington,” Mrs McCowen said.
While doctors had told the family that the end was near, Mrs McCowen said he had gained great strength “in recent days from the voice messages and videos that he was getting”. She said the RIP death notice will be updated when Johnathan’s funeral arrangements are made.
In 2021, he was diagnosed with ALS, a Motor Neurone Disease for which there is no cure. He died in Brisbane yesterday.
Affectionately known as Jonathan ‘Micko’, he was a member of the Portarlington Senior Football team that won the County Final in 2001. His father, the late Jon McCowen, was on the Portarlington County Final winning teams in 1954, ’55 and ‘59.
Shortly after his ALS diagnosis, Jonathan came home to Ireland for a short visit and was delighted to be present to see the Portarlington Senior Football team win the County Final.
There were events in Brisbane, UK, USA, New Zealand and Ireland, with many events taking place in his native Portarlington.
The fundraisers included bake sales, coffee mornings, walks, runs, swims, raffles, table quiz, an MMA event, golf classics, 24-hour tennis-athon, football matches, skydive and climbing Croagh Patrick.
His family described it as "a phenomenal effort" to support Johnathan and his family.
A GoFundMe page was set up and Johnathon said he wanted to be able to raise $750,000 Australian dollars to provide a home for his family as he knew his time was short. Such was the outpouring of support, his family closed the fundraiser in February this year as they had raised $915,189. The family thanked everyone who had supported them during the time.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Jonathan “Micko” McCowen, after a long illness, bravely battled. Beloved husband and soulmate of Sherie, and adoring dad of Darcy and Riley. Predeceased by his parents, Jon and Marie McCowen. Johnny will be sadly missed every day by Sherie, Darcy and Riley, his sister Louise (Galway), his brothers Paul (Naas) and Mark (Poland), sisters-in-law Maureen and Ladda, niece, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his wide circle of friends at home and abroad,” his death notice said.
Jonathan's funeral service will take place at Our Lady of Graces Catholic Church, Carina on Tuesday, 1st August, 2023, commencing at 11 am followed by burial at Mt Gravatt Cemetery. The funeral service will be livestreamed. Link to follow. Condolences can be left on RIP.ie at https://rip.ie/death-notice/jonathan-mccowen-laois-portarlington-524014