John Horgan pays tribute to Cork's great hurling heroes of the 1970s

Wed, 18 Jun, 2025 - 16:30

John Horgan

It’s hard to believe that it’s closing in on 50 years since a golden age for Cork hurling began its journey.

For the players and all those associated with the three-in-a-row All-Ireland winning teams of 1976, 1977, and 1978, it was the time of their lives, their three visits to the podium on the Hogan Stand in Croke Park on those final September Sundays, the days of their lives.

When it’s time for players to bring the curtain down on their careers, in the case of the Cork players of that era, it can so often happen that their paths in life diverge and get-togethers again can sometimes prove difficult.

Pictured at a reunion of Cork Senior Hurling winning teams from 1976, 1977,and 1978 at the South County in Douglas The Blackrock contingent Eamonn O Donoghue, Ray Cummins, Tom Cashman ,Dermot Mc Curtin ,Pat Moylan Brendan Cummins pic George Hatchell

But the passage of time can never diminish their achievements, the stories remain vivid in the memory bank for those privileged to have witnessed their great achievements.

And when the opportunity arose for a grand reunion of the players and selectors who made it all possible, it was seized upon immediately.

And it came to pass last Friday night in Tom O’Connor’s fine South County bar and restaurant in Douglas, an occasion of nostalgia, for friendships to be renewed, and great deeds recalled.

Pictured at a reunion of Cork Senior Hurling winning teams from 1976, 1977,and 1978 at the South County in Douglas were l-r Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Martin Doherty, Jimmy Barry Murphy and Charlie Mc Carthy pic George Hatchell

Sadly, a few of the stars of those years are no longer with us, taken all too prematurely; that defensive warrior, John Horgan from the Rockies and that wonderful forward, Seanie O’Leary from the Youghal club.

A lot of work had to be undertaken to make this all come to fruition, phone calls, e-mails, transatlantic messaging etc had to be made by one of the greats of that era, Eamonn O’Donoghue and one of Cork’s greatest GAA servants, Dr Con Murphy were just two of those who made it all happen.

And in that fine hostelry in Douglas, one by one they came together again, that prince of full-backs, Martin Doherty came from his home in California, the greeting for him so special because of the distance that now separates him from the rest of the squad.

Brian Murphy came from his home in Kilkenny, former Cork All-Ireland winning bosses Donal O’Grady and John Allen were present, hale and hearty as was another Barrs and Cork great, Denis Burns.

Pictured at a reunion of Cork Senior Hurling winning teams from 1976, 1977,and 1978 at the South County in Douglas Jim O Sullivan ,Taoiseach Micheal Martin,Martin Coleman Bertie Og Murphy,Denis Coughlan ,Pat Mc Donnell pic George Hatchell

Dermot McCurtain and Tom Cashman, Pat Moyan, all of Rockies fame were present to remind us of the vast contributions that they had made in those years. So too was the great Denis Coughlan, a dual icon in that era, Johnny Crowley from Bishopstown, so often a heroic figure in the heart of the defence was in the company of other greats of that time, the teak and toughest of all from Newcestown, Timmy Crowley with another warrior figure, Mick Malone alongside.

ICONIC

Jimmy Barry-Murphy looked like he could have lined out at SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh and to be in the company of Ray and Brendan Cummins was another privilege.

Gerald and Charlie McCarthy, added so much to a wonderful occasion, two of the greats of that era or any era.

Martin Coleman, the last line of defence in those glorious years and responsible for so many sublime stops en-route to the steps of the Hogan Stand was delighted to meet up again with the others who combined to make those days so special for all of us.

Pictured at a reunion of Cork Senior Hurling winning teams from 1976, 1977,and 1978 at the South County in Douglas L-R Tom Cashman, Donal O Grady, Denis Burns, Charlie McCarthy, John Crowley, John Allen and Eamonn O Donoghue pic George Hatchell

Former Cork team boss, that excellent hurler from Sarsfields Bertie Óg Murphy was present too.

Selectors on those teams, former county board secretary, Frank Murphy was present too alongside that Sarsfields stalwart, Denis Hurley, still one of Cork’s greatest supporters in both codes.

Liz Horgan, wife of the late and great John came along too on a night of great togetherness.

Pictured at a reunion of Cork Senior Hurling winning teams from 1976, 1977,and 1978 at the South County in Douglas are Alice Moylan and Liz Horgan pic George Hatchell

Eamonn O’Donoghue spoke on behalf of the players and was so appreciative of the effort that they had put in to ensure that the occasion was a resounding success.

Martin Doherty spoke glowingly too of his team-mates from that time, the great games that they participated in and how the friendships that were formed have lasted a lifetime and will continue to do so.

The reunion that had been organised was something that he will cherish for the rest of his life, he said.

Pictured at a reunion of Cork Senior Hurling winning teams from 1976, 1977,and 1978 at the South County in Douglas l-r Dermot Mc Curtin ,Pat Horgan and Former County Secretary Frank Murphy pic George Hatchell

Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid a visit too to mark the occasion and mingle for a while with the players as did Government Minister Jerry Buttimer.

Former Cork Examiner GAA reporter Jim O’Sullivan who reported on all the games of that era was present too.

JOYFUL

The 1990 All-Ireland winning captain, Tomas Mulcahy was also in attendance, adding his support on an occasion that was a joy and a privilege to be present at.

To be among such luminaries of Cork hurling was somehing that this writer will fondly remember, being in the presence of players who left an indelible mark on the lives of so many Cork hurling supporters.