He became an overnight viral sensation for wearing a hat emblazoned with a
marijuana leaf on the RTE Six-One News.
But the farmer behind the stunt revealed he’s since thrown the hat “into
the fire”.
KCLR Live tracked down the hat-wearer, who was identified as Willie
Wallace from Newtown, Crettyard, Co Laois.
Locals praised Willie for showing good humour and giving the country a
“high” during the tough times.
“Many people could take a leaf out of Willie’s book and lighten up,” said one texter who contacted the show.
Willie, who did not wish to comment on air, told KCLR Live that he had “no
interest” in any more talk of the hat so he “threw it into the fire”.
However, he said that he runs a museum from his home and invited the local
radio station to come out and interview him about the attraction. “We have
butter churns, old bicycles and all sorts,” he said.
Fair dues to @eimeardeschemer on @kclr96fm for tracking down the weed hat man from last night's @rtenews He's thrown the hat on the fire!
— Neans McSweeney (@NeansMcS) November 24, 2015