The Leeside Legends series: Ger Cunningham an unrivalled number one

ONE of the great strengths of Cork hurling over the years has been the excellence of its goalkeepers as a succession of dependable men between the uprights provided the cornerstone for all our All-Ireland winning teams.

“If you were lucky enough to get to the final you would change at the Lough Community Centre and a band would play both teams down the hill to the pitch,” said Ger.

Ger soon broke into the St Finbarr’s senior team and the county medals began to flow with victories in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1988, and 1993.

Cunningham recalled his inter-county career and said avoiding serious injury had been the key to his successful time between the posts.

If good goalkeepers are worth their weight in gold then Ger Cunningham was priceless.

FACTFILE: Ger Cunningham is the holder of three All-Ireland senior medals and two minor.
He won six Cork Senior county championship titles with his club St Finbarr’s.
He is also the holder of four hurling All-Stars as well as a Texaco Hurler of the Year prize in 1986.
Ger Cunningham retired from hurling at the age of 38 in 1999.
Ger is now back with the Cork senior squad with manager Kieran Kingston after a spell with Dublin.