The Leeside Legends series: Seanie O'Leary was a goal poacher supreme

The following year was no better as Cork were defeated by Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final, but O’Leary managed to win a league medal in 1972.

“Out of the blue in walked the legendary Christy Ring who looked a little uneasy with the minutes counting down to the throw-in.”

The Centenary final of 1984 was very special to Seán, not least because he was conscious that he was coming to the end of his hurling career.

Seán took his total of All-Stars to three in 1984 having won them previously in 1976 and 1977. He returned to the sideline with Cork as a selector and helped his county to the All-Ireland again in 1999, having coached Imokilly to county glory first.

The Youghal man was a gifted opportunist with superb close control and his instinct for scoring goals made him a vital cog in many Cork teams between 1971 and 1984. His power and match-winning skills made him a braveheart on Leeside.

FACTFILE:
Seanie O’Leary is the holder of eight All-Ireland medals, four Senior, two U21, and two Minor.
He won All-Stars in 1976, '77 and 1984.
Youghal were promoted from intermediate in '69, when O'Leary was a key hurler and a Cork minor, and three years after reached the senior decider. O'Leary later coached Imokilly to the title.
He retired from inter-county hurling at the age of 33 after winning the Centenary All-Ireland of 1984 but was later an All-Ireland winning selector in 1999.
His son Tomás captained Cork to a minor All-Ireland but focused on rugby with Munster and Ireland after.