Jimmy Murphy is still a great servant for Sarsfields
Jimmy Murphy, Tom Connolly and Jim D'Arcy at the homecoming after Sarsfields won the county in 2023. Picture: David Creedon
'If someone has to tell you they are a good person... be careful.
'Good people don’t have to tell you they are good people. They show you!'
That adage is certainly the case for the former Sarsfield’s secretary Jimmy Murphy who stepped away from the position in 2022 after being in the position for 14 years.
When the new brigade of Sars officers came in, he continued to be a guiding light until they found their way. His love for the club is still very evident.
When Sarsfields defeated Bride Rovers in the 2008 county final, it ended a 51-year drought at the Riverstown club.
In that year, Sars were captained by Kieran 'Fraggie' Murphy and for the former secretary Jimmy Murphy, it was a day he will personally never forget.
“There is little doubt to wait over half a century was far too long but remembering that great day the emotions were incredible and will always be rated as one of my great memories with the club."
Murphy believes the hot favourites tag going into that final was always going to bring extra pressure.
“We were fortunate to come out on top, but it was always going to be a test against a team who were renowned battlers and they proved it on the day as they took us to the wire."
The Sars team included the former Cork hurling manager Pat Ryan, along with his late brother Ray, and with Michael Cussen and Ronan Murphy also putting in huge shifts, the title headed back to Riverstown after a long wait.
Many great hurlers in Sars never experienced winning a Senior county.
“When you look at the great Teddy McCarthy, Bertie Óg and Tadghie Murphy, all superb hurlers that never reached the Holy Grail.”
The victory in 2008 began a golden era in the club as they followed up with four more titles in 2010, 2012 and 2014 with the last coming in 2023.
“We have been competitive for many years losing last year’s final to Imokilly before going on to win the Munster championship for the first time in the club’s history before going down to Dublin side Na Fianna in the All-Ireland club final.
Last weekend Sars topped their group with a four-point win against Glen Rovers.
“First of all, I can see major improvement in this Sars side over the last two years and for me, the return of Killian Murphy this season has made a huge difference to us."
Cork panelist Jack O’Connor is recuperating from a fractured jaw but did manage to play for 20 minutes. Murphy is hoping they can assemble a fully fit side for their quarter-final clash against Charleville.
“The one plus about this present team is they have matured beyond belief and they certainly will not be taking Charleville for granted as they have some very useful hurlers.
Looking at the Glen, he believes they will have a major say in the destiny of this championship.
“Make no mistake, the Glen are a very good side with a good mixture of young and experienced hurlers and their quarter-final against Midleton should be a belter that is a very hard game to call."
The performance of Patrick Horgan didn’t go unnoticed by Murphy.
“In my book, he's still a great player as you just cannot leave him unattended and he has served his club and county with dignity and honour during his illustrious career."
There are six clubs and Imokilly left standing and Murphy believes it's very open.
“I think all clubs will fancy their chance of winning the title but with no trap or side doors it’s now do-or-die and it will be survival of the fittest in all games.”
The recent resignation of Pat Ryan from Cork saddened Murphy.
“I am very disappointed for Pat as he is a very decent man and for Cork to lose two All-Ireland finals was devastating for him.
“On a final note, I am not speaking with my Sars jersey on, but Pat Ryan is a man who will always be remembered as one of the good guys in Cork GAA.”
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