Jimmy Barry Murphy has taken the decision to step down as manager of the Cork senior hurling team. Speculation has been swirling since Cork's Championship exit at the hand's of Galway and, tonight, JBM has confirmed his final decision.
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. 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.
County Chairman Gerard Lane attempted to put into words just how much JBM has brought to GAA in Cork over the past forty years.
As a player, Jimmy's achievements go right back to his first All-Ireland title with the Cork Senior footballers in 1973, and he became one of the greatest dual players to ever grace the game.
During his initial stint as Cork Senior Manager, he delivered Cork's first All-Ireland Hurling title in 9 years, and on his return, he guided the County to an All-Ireland Hurling Final and to a first Munster title since 2008. 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.
While Barry's decision may not have come as a massive shock, the departure of such a legendary figure will no doubt be greeted with much sadness across Cork and across hurling in general.
While plenty of tributes have begun to pour in, this one does a fairly decent job of summing up his influence in Cork.
If God ever fancies an early retirement JBM can take over! Legend
— Roy O Brien (@royobr2) August 29, 2015
A true hero of the game.
