Bertie Óg Murphy on his life in the GAA: From Sars success to coaching Cork
Bertie Óg Murphy points the way to county glory in 2008. Picture: Dan Linehan
October was a momentous occasion for former Cork senior and U21 hurling manager Bertie Óg Murphy when he celebrated his 70th birthday with his wife Dorothy, sons Ronan and David and daughter Louise.
Murphy is one of the nice guys in hurling and his association with his lifelong club Sarsfield’s is incredible, and even this season he was in the backroom team of their minor team this season that lost to Glen Rovers in an epic final.
Son of the late Bertie Murphy, a diehard Sars stalwart, he was an accomplished dual player as he was a county minor in both codes in 1972 when Cork won the football before finishing runner-up to Kilkenny in the hurling decider.
Bertie was denied an U21 All-Ireland medal by Kilkenny in 1975 but was duly drafted onto the senior panel the following season making his championship debut as wing-forward against Tipperary in the Munster championship semi-final clash.
A narrow win yielded a great run for Cork that saw them go on to secure five Munsters and three senior All-Irelands on the trot.
Sadly during that era competition for places in attack was highly competitive at that time and Bertie Óg, who provided much of the inspiration for Sars U21 county triumph, didn’t play again until 1976.
He was heavily involved in the squad in 1983 as well, when Cork lost to Kilkenny by two points. He did his hands on the Liam MacCarthy after the Centenary final when Cork thrashed Offaly 12 months later.
At club level, Murphy endured similar frustration during his 20-year career, coming closest in 1989 when Sars were defeated by Glen Rovers in the county final.
“During my era playing senior we were a small community club and the big guns like the Glen, Blackrock and the Barrs dominated but we consistently gave our all for the cause,” Bertie Óg said.
Murphy went into coaching in the early '90s and led Cork U21s to vital victories, including the '97 and '98 All-Irelands, before joining the Cork senior backroom team in 2002 under manager Tom Cashman.
Getting appointed as manager in 2002 ended in disappointment as Murphy stepped down following the first strike of the Cork Senior hurling team.
Does Murphy have any regrets about that decision?
“I was never a man to hold grudges as I just got on with my life and looking back it was probably a blessing as I basically went back to Sars to help them end that long drought."
On September 28, 2008, Sars defeated Bride Rovers 2-14 to 2-13 that ended a 51-year wait since their previous county in 1957.
For Bertie Óg that day will long live in his memorable moments in the GAA.
The late Teddy McCarthy was also part of the coaching staff and Murphy took time to reflect on the great man.
“Teddy was rightfully an icon in the GAA and for me watching him grow up from a young boy to reaching the summit of both hurling and football was a pleasure but for me he was a good friend who basically loved our club."
Sars were defeated recently in the Cork hurling final by Imokilly but doesn't agree with the opinion the divisional side shouldn't be involved.
“I represented Imokilly for many years and to be honest I think it’s great to give junior and intermediate hurlers the opportunity to play at the top tier and I think there inclusion in the Senior championship is a must."
How does Bertie presently see standard of hurling in his beloved county?
Getting back to the recent loss of his beloved club in the senior county final, Murphy is confident they can give a good account in their semi-final clash with the Clare winners Feakle.
“It goes without saying that Cork’s record in the Munster club hurling championship is poor but I know the lads are back training hard and with Cathal McCarthy regaining full fitness I would be confident of a good performance from the lads."
Bertie Óg Murphy has always had Cork and Sarsfields close to his heart and his contribution to the sport should be commended.
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