Cork hurling is once again without JBM at the helm. An All Ireland quarter final defeat may not have been the way he should have bowed out but he certainly goes with every last ounce of respect still in tact.
As Cork fans, and hurling fans across the country will tell you, JBM's influence on the game can't be overestimated. Just this week he was inducted into the GAA Hall of Fame and it's rather easy to see why. The list of honours from just his playing career is simply astonishing.
Took another look after his hall of fame entry. Jimmy Barry-Murphy's honours are ridiculous. He literally won it all pic.twitter.com/e3TiMwNI6A
— Conor Donnelly (@conorjdonnelly) August 27, 2015
Now, he has stepped down as Cork manager for the second time and the kind of tributes that have been paid to the great man are a measure of just how much of colossal figure he's been to Cork and to Irish sport in general.
JBM has resigned but he has agreed to remain on as all-time hero to a generation of Cork boys who became men watching him perform wonders.
— Dave Hannigan (@daveyhannigan) August 29, 2015
If God ever fancies an early retirement JBM can take over! Legend
— Roy O Brien (@royobr2) August 29, 2015
JBM one of my sporting heroes growing up. Was still one after I grew up. A true great. #JBM #Cork @OfficialCorkGAA
— Fiachra Murphy 🇮🇩 (@fiachra1974) August 29, 2015
#GAA Such a shame to see the great JBM stepping down as @OfficialCorkGAA manager. Great Sportsman even greater gentleman.
— Mike O'Halloran (@StageandSport) August 29, 2015
I'm of the generation who adored what JBM did for Cork, and as a footballer as well as hurler. Such a special player.
— Matt Cooper (@cooper_m) August 29, 2015
It's going to take an awful lot for Cork hurling to replace even a fraction of the influence JBM has had over the past number of years. A true legend.
