GAA FANATIC Frank Hogan is appealing for the return of his John 3:7 billboard after it disappeared while he was returning from the Tyrone/Kildare match in Croke Park last Sunday.
A regular feature at GAA matches for over two decades, Mr Hogan’s billboard had been placed between carriages during his return train ride to Limerick when it went missing.
A man of deep faith, he is regularly sighted criss-crossing the country to attend GAA matches with his sign in tow and often stops to pose for pictures with the sign. Mr Hogan believes the sign may have been taken in Kildare and has contacted gardaí who, despite having viewed CCTV footage, have failed to locate the billboard. “I just got on the train after the match. When the train stopped in Kildare a lot of fellows got off and I discovered my sign was missing,” said Mr Hogan. Speaking to some passengers on the train following the disappearance, he was told some passengers had overheard a group joking about taking the sign. As the sign is so familiar, “everybody wants to steal it or buy it. People regard it as a trophy,” said Mr Hogan.
“I would appreciate it back. I just want the sign back if they are finished with it because I don’t think they will be able to display it with the police looking for it,” added Mr Hogan.
For Mr Hogan, the sign is a reminder that Jesus died for the sins of man. John 3:7 reads: “Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.” This is the second time the John 3:7 billboard has gone missing. It was flung from a train window by fans a number of years ago.
Anyone with information is asked to contact gardaí in Kildare.