In the previous year, Pat Ryan requested Jimmy Barry-Murphy’s presence to address the Cork team. None had seen the sunrise when he last won an All-Ireland as a player in 1986, and all his past games and awards are now beautifully encased within his cherished lifetime memories.
However, his repute still radiated its own fiery brilliance. Verification of his achievements was right at hand, though it was no longer needed as the narrative was set long ago and never left under the shadow of reconsideration. His triumphs and reputation were intertwined and unbreakable. He couldn’t refute his accomplished past.
That being said, he was far from a relic. Scattered around the room were individuals with whom he had created vibrant memories. Ryan and his two associates, Wayne Sherlock and Brendan Coleman, had their All-Ireland victory alongside Jimmy Barry-Murphy on the managing seat in 1999. Likewise, Patrick Horgan, Séamus Harnedy, and Conor Lehane were part of the team brought by Barry-Murphy to the 2013 final, when inconsolably, Cork led for most of the endgame only to lose in a rematch.
Twice, Barry-Murphy had held Cork’s reins for an extended period of nine years, outflanking all predecessors. Each time when he stepped up, Cork was in a tough spot, and it took a while before they could swing back. His audacity wasn’t illogical, but it was slightly myopic. No shields of past victories or public love could protect him from unwelcome outcomes. The ordeal was inevitable. He wasn’t exempted from it.
“Steering Cork is somewhat addictive,” he confesses today. “Understanding the inherent risks, you accept the responsibility. But it’s only upon embarking that you come to terms with the gravity of it, ‘This is challenging. We are not performing as expected of us’. The pressure at times was overwhelming. It was personally nerve-wracking bearing the public’s expectations. It was extremely hard-hitting.
“I lament deciding to return as the team’s manager in 2012. Indeed, I do. I had distanced myself from the scene. The allure of returning is compelling, but looking back, I regret it. Given a chance to do it all over again, I would have opted out. I had retired and I should have remained retired.”
Barry-Murphy’s sentiments regarding his second tenure appear peculiarly incongruent with the outcome of those seasons. After a break of eight years, Cork managed to claim the Munster title once again, and progressed to the All-Ireland final, breaking a seven-year streak, in spite of significant mismanagement in the nurturing of Cork’s emerging talent.
Throughout the 2013 final, Cork was always the underdog, but they persisted until the end, compelling Clare to match scores with the penultimate puck of the match. Barry-Murphy was hurriedly approached by RTÉ for a post-match comment while the taste of the game was still fresh. Always maintaining an air of dignity in his public engagements, he maintained his composure amidst the scrutiny of the TV cameras.
In relaying his feelings, Barry-Murphy confessed, “It was a struggle to hold it together. The moment that score tipped over, I was devastated. I couldn’t envision us triumphing in the replay. I sensed our opportunity had evaporated. It was clear to me. Our moment had come, and our lead had been timed perfectly. Hoggie’s [Patrick Horgan] phenomenal score was an achievement exclusive to him, and yet it was unjustly snatched from our grasp.
Despite these setbacks, I also remember the great times we had at Croke Park. Sometimes it is essential to show grace in defeat rather than casting blame around. Life is a winding road of ups and downs, and over the years we’ve had our share of narrow escapes.
Though it stings to admit it, the 2013 tournament is a deep regret for me. It haunts my every waking moment. It could have been a remarkable All-Ireland victory for Cork considering our trajectory. We may not have been the most gifted Cork side to ever step foot in Croke Park, but there is no doubt whatsoever that their dedication was unparalleled.”
For Cork’s second match in the Munster championship this year, Ryan’s decision to make six alterations was reminiscent of strategies deployed by teams managed by Barry-Murphy. In Cork’s recent history, six fresh faces were seen in their first round against Waterford in 1999 and again in 2013 when six participants had their maiden championship start of the year that led them to the All-Ireland.
Throughout his tenure as manager, Barry-Murphy set a trend of showing faith in new, young players. However, this approach met with some criticism, particularly when teenagers Joe Deane and Seán Óg Ó hAilpín made their debut during a brutal defeat for Cork against Limerick in 1996. Reflecting on this decision, Barry-Murphy has expressed some regret, wondering if introducing them too early was ill-advised as it proved a tough learning curve for them.
Inevitably, a manager must face up to challenges when it comes to refreshing the team. In Barry-Murphy’s second stint, he had to manage the expectations of players who had many years under their belts, such as Dónal Óg Cusack, John Gardiner and Ó hAilpín. They were still part of the setup in 2012, but by 2013 things had changed, making such transitions far from simple.
Reflecting on the situation, Barry-Murphy admitted feeling the strain and struggled with having to side-line players who had previous All-Ireland successes to their name. He found this part of his role challenging and unlike a hardened manager, he had to navigate these situations in a way that he felt was fair and just. He acknowledges, however, that some players may feel they were able to continue contributing to the team – an inherent part of human nature.
The resilience of Cork, known for its legendary undefeated home record in the championship since the 1920s, had been submerged deep until their crushing defeat to Limerick by 16 points in 1996. Following this shocking game, Joe Quaid remarked in an interview that the rich heritage of Cork had been swept “down the Lee”. There was an overflow of vitriolic letters in the local newspapers, not all haters had the courage to reveal their full identity. One particularly biting critique had been saved by him in his office drawer, a painful reminder of the public sentiment during those challenging years.
“Still stunned from shock,” mused Barry-Murphy, reflecting years after the event. “We had performed terribly, and being their coach, I felt responsible. A moment of shame for myself, being a Cork man, having overseen such a debacle. Our preparation was lacking, and my coaching ability was in question.”
It was arguably the most significant test in his sports career. Under his supervision, Cork had hit rock bottom. However, displaying an inspiring turn around, they emerged victorious at the All-Ireland, just three years later, with the youngest team Cork had ever taken to Croke Park.
Back in the dressing room, Teddy Owens, the coach of Cork, waved an old photograph of the team’s management visibly distressed during the 1996 Limerick game. “Look at that,” Owens bellowed, “and look at Jimmy today.”
Had he evolved? Or had we been failing to see his potential?
In 1972, Barry-Murphy joined Cork Celtic, after a three-month suspension from an under-21 match against Glen Rovers for St Finbarr’s. The game was not new to high-stake rivalries, tendrils of competition often flaring up unexpectedly. Just a week after his suspension, he scored an impressive five goals for Wilton United in the FAI Youth Cup. Soon after that, he got a call from Paul “Golden Boy” O’Donovan, the manager of Cork Celtic, and at 18, ahead of becoming JBM – his widely recognised stage name.
Several months prior, he had achieved a 2-1 victory for Cork in the All-Ireland minor football championship, and would later score the same for Cork in the All-Ireland senior football final. However, for a brief time, he was like a brightly-coloured fish in a tiny aquarium.
“The environment was entirely new to me. It required self-reliance. It was intense and harsh. Getting to Dublin, finding your way to the hotel for a pre-match bite, then navigating your path to Dalymount Park – there was no bus service. The locker room was unforgiving. No quarter was given, no one cared about your status. The experience was invaluable. I believe it transformed me into a tougher person.”
He had a successful start, making waves even in this niche setting. Jimmy Magee would promote the League of Ireland matches on the radio and once enticed his audience to see “this promising youngster from Cork” at Dalymount Park.
“I recall thinking afterward, ‘I trust they got there in good time’. I was substituted at half-time. I was pulled by Paul [O’Donovan]. I lost interest in the end. It was gruelling. It wasn’t the best time of year for me. The pitches were a muddy mess. The weather was a menace to me, I despised the rain and chill. I hated all sporting aspects during that time of year. Summer is when I truly thrived.”
As things progressed – Munster finals, All-Ireland finals – the pressure intensified. In the 80s it really got under my skin, especially in my tenure as captain [1982-83]. But as both a hurler and footballer, Barry-Murphy had a footballer’s creativity. A game about skill, movement, and subtlety. In the 1970s, these attributes weren’t commonly recognised in either hurling or football. His play had a sophisticated depth to it.
“He appeared contemporary,” Nicky English once commented.
His charisma shone on the field, boasting a formidable confidence to match. In 1973, when Cork clinched the All-Ireland football championship, it marked their first victory in nearly three decades. Despite the immense anticipation in the dressing room, it didn’t seem to affect him adversely.
“The pressure of performance never really got to me. I always believed in my ability to perform well. However, I’m not trying to downplay the enormity of representing Cork in All-Ireland finals. As the years progressed, notably during the Munster finals, the pressure intensified. The 80s were particularly challenging, especially during my tenure as captain [1982-83].”
Billy Morgan was the one who initially introduced him to the football panel; driving him to training sessions. Morgan was the captain during that time and held a lot of influence in the dressing room. Their relationship appeared to have a mentor-protege dynamic.
“He greatly impacted me. He kept me grounded. Frank Cogan, another team member I held in high regard, used his subtle influence wisely. I remember one instance following a league match in Roscommon where I was dissatisfied due to a lack of possession. Frank quietly and efficiently reminded me to make a greater effort to get more involved. That conversation stuck with me.”
Barry-Murphy shot down the percolating myth that his dedication towards training was lukewarm. Even though the practices were far from sophisticated back then– it was the middle of the ’70s after all– he defended his commitment towards training. Fellow Cork footballer, Kevin Kehily suggested that the team should make use of the gym. Barry-Murphy, however, wasn’t keen on the idea.
“I recall running out of the gym. I hated it. I was bluffing. I couldn’t get myself to step foot in there once more. It didn’t suit me. But I managed without it, I maintained my fitness. I took care of myself.”
In reflecting upon his exceptional career, it’s easy to allow its magnificence to cloud the intricate details. However, it is essential to remember the unmatched feats accomplished by him, the unparalleled greatness of Barry-Murphy in the history of the GAA. He singularly holds the triumph of securing All-Irelands in football and hurling at minor, under-21, and senior levels for his county, along with the same for his club, St Finbarr’s. By the mere age of 24, he had achieved two All Stars apiece in football and hurling, a record fatefully unmatched.
However, Barry-Murphy’s journey was not devoid of challenges, trials creating momentary corrosion. His captaincy during the 1982 and 1983 All-Ireland finals witnessed defeats, with him scoring nil. This was not a defeat taken lightly.
He reminisces his best hurling years as being 1982 and 1983 in Munster, when he was, indisputably, in top form. But the pressure bore on him heavily. As for the 1983 All-Ireland, he admits to not delving deep into why he underperformed in 1982, banking on mere hopeful anticipation over actionable efforts. The defeat in 1982 and 1983 was heartbreaking.
Now, he recalls the tough aftermath of those finals, stating that he could’ve dealt with it better. It was something he had to personally grapple with.
When he admitted his impending retirement to his old friend Johnny Crowley before the 1986 All-Ireland, he was just 32. Overwhelmed, his zeal had fizzled out within a short period.
Though the 1984 All-Ireland was a win for Cork, Barry-Murphy failed to register a score. The drought ended in 1986 against Galway, where he broke his scoreless record. His first point was a swift overhead strike, followed by one making a decisive contribution to Cork’s total score in their last onslaught.
“Is Jimmy Barry set to end on a high note?” queried Ger Canning of RTÉ in his sportscasting moment. “Indeed!”
At the time of Barry-Murphy’s retirement, Roy Keane was only 15. In his hometown of Cork, while there were numerous exceptional athletes, none shone brighter than Barry-Murphy. Regardless of one’s sporting preferences, Barry-Murphy was a phenomenon that transcended them all. A few years back, during a Sky Sports interview, when asked to name his top three sports idols, Keane named JBM, Mohammed Ali and Barry McGuigan, though not in any specific order.
Keane is a regular on The Overlap podcast, and they hosted a roadshow last summer, with Croke Park being one of the stops. They extended an invitation to both TJ Reid and Barry-Murphy. Barry-Murphy had had a fleeting encounter with Keane only once before, purely by coincidence. This time around, Keane seized the opportunity to engage Barry-Murphy in a conversation about hurling.
According to Barry-Murphy, Keane expressed that nothing could match the spectacle of Cork at Croke Park during the All-Ireland final day. In response, Barry-Murphy mentioned about FA Cup finals and European finals and representing Ireland, to which Keane simply replied, “No, Jimmy, there’s nothing quite like it.”
They were in complete agreement.