‘Jungle’ Joe Phelan is set to return to O’Moore Park in 2026 following an appearance on the stage at the 3 Arena last night alongside The 2 Johnnies.
The Abbeyleix native hit the headlines in the mid 2000s as he was regularly spotted attending Laois matches while carrying a chicken.
And to great amusement, the chicken actually got loose in O’Moore Park and ran onto the field during the 2005 O’Byrne Cup semi final.
Some months ago, the 2 Johnnies put a call out on their Podcast for people to send in stories about ‘local heroes’.
Several people sent in their tales involving Joe Phelan and the lads, despite Joe not owning a mobile phone, managed to track him down.
Johnny B initially had a chat with him on the Podcast where they asked him about why he stopped attending Laois football matches and the insinuation was made that Laois County Board had actually banned him.
Last night, in front of 13,000 people at The 2 Johnnies Country Christmas Podcast Show, Jungle Joe appeared on the stage decked out in a retro Laois jersey alongside the two lads.
In an interview, he explained how he got his nickname due to his love for exotic animals – and he also told them how he has owned a monkey and a snake over the years.
He also explained how he helped foil a bank robbery in Abbeyleix one time and also thanked the staff in all the hospitals for the work they do – especially the Mater who he says have helped him since he was 12.
Just before he left the stage, the two lads had a big surprise from him.
They first presented him with a letter from Laois GAA confirming that he is in fact not banned from attending Laois games.
They then gave him a new Laois jersey that had been signed by all of the football panel.
And finally, they presented him with a golden ticket which they says entitles him to free entry to O’Moore Park for Laois games in 2026.
Jungle Joe leaped with joy on the stage and we all look forward to seeing him in Laois GAA HQ next year.
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