Cork football legend Larry Tompkins inducted into Munster GAA Hall of Fame

Cork football legend Larry Tompkins has been inducted into the Munster GAA Hall of Fame.

The All-Ireland winner with the Rebels in 1989 and 1990 is widely regarded as one of the great Cork players of all time, and is a popular choice for this year.

With unemployment rife in Ireland, Tompkins spent much of the early 1980s working in the United States where he struck up a friendship with players from Castlehaven, who eventually coaxed him into playing for the Haven and enjoyed great success for both his new club and new county. He won a Cork SFC medal with the Haven in 1989 and 1994 as well as three Munster medals in 1989, 1994 and 1997.

He became involved in coaching while he was still in his heyday as a player. Along with his two Celtic Crosses, Tompkins collected six Munster medals, one National League, and three All-Stars.

He succeeded Billy Morgan as Cork boss in late 1996 and guided the Leesiders to Division 1 football league and Munster championship success in 1999 after wins over rivals Dublin and Kerry in the respective finals.

Cork were beaten by Meath in the All-Ireland final that year. They claimed Munster success once again under Tompkins in 2002 before he left his position the following year.

Tompkins still has the drive and passion for football. He coached Mitchelstown to the County JAFC in 2013. This year he was involved with the Aghada Premier Intermediate footballers. 

He is heavily involved with the great work that is being done at underage level in Bishopstown. He was the coach of the minor footballers this year as they made the Premier 1 semi-final, losing out to Mallow.

His son Jack is on the Town panel that will face Beara in the McCarthy Insurance Group County U21 A football championship final on Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 2.30pm.