Jimmy Barry-Murphy steps down as Cork hurling manager
Cork hurling manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy has stepped down from his position.
The Cork County Board confirmed the news of his resignation in a statement on their website, ending a four year term as the county’s hurling boss.
In his second stint in charge of the Rebels Barry-Murphy came within seconds of winning an All-Ireland title in 2013, before eventually losing out in a replay to Clare.
Under his stewardship Cork won the Munster Championship in 2014 with a win over Limerick in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Barry-Murphy, an All-Ireland winner with Cork in both codes, said he came to the decision to leave after giving it “great deal of thought” following the Rebels’ 12-point loss to Galway in this year’s All-Ireland hurling quarter-final.
“I have given a great deal of thought to Cork hurling since the defeat by Galway in the All-Ireland Quarter-final, and I now feel that the time is right for me to step down as manager,” read Barry-Murphy’s statement.
Statement Issued by Jimmy Barry-Murphy Cork Hurling Manager http://t.co/hLqXiEnsrg
— Cork GAA (@OfficialCorkGAA) August 29, 2015
“I want to sincerely thank the players, selectors, backroom support team and County Board for all their efforts in the last four years. I also want to thank our loyal supporters who always travelled in huge numbers in tough economic times to support us.
“I know that Cork will continue to challenge for major honours in the years ahead. I wish everyone the very best next year and in the years to come”.
On such a promising day for Cork hurling it's disappointing to hear of JBM's departure.
— Diarmuid O'Sullivan (@dsully3) August 29, 2015
6ft 2 eyes of blue JBM we love you #fatherfigure
Responding to the news Cork County Board chairman Ger Lane described Jimmy Barry-Murphy as an “iconic figure in Cork GAA.”
“He is a true legend and an iconic figure in Cork GAA, and we thank him most sincerely for all that he has done for our association in over 40 years,” said Lane.
“While we are very sorry to lose him, we have to accept his decision and wish him all the very best in the future.”
Honoured and privileged to have worked with Jimmy Barry-Murphy. My childhood hero, and still my hero now. So many wonderful memories #Laoch
— Tracey Kennedy (@Tracey_Cork) August 29, 2015
Cork County Board Secretary Frank Murphy was quick to praise the contribution Barry-Murphy has made to Cork GAA, affectionately describing him as a “consummate gentleman.”
“The Board acknowledges his unstinting efforts with the county teams over the past four years in his second term as manager,” said Murphy.
“He has earned the utmost respect not alone in his own county but throughout Ireland and abroad as the consummate gentleman. We wish him well in his future endeavours and thank him for his loyalty and inspiring leadership.”
With football manager Brian Cuthbert also stepping down earlier this summer, the Rebels are now in search of a new manager in both codes.
