St Finbarr's dual All-Ireland club winners including JBM, Donal O'Grady and John Allen honoured 

Recently St Finbarr’s Hurling and Football Club were honoured with a civic reception by the Lord Mayor.

The event was held to honour members of the club who were dual All-Ireland club championship winners.

There are only 12 such players across the country with that accolade and 10 of them played with St Finbarr’s “The event and celebration arose out of a conversation at the launch of our 150 book Gallant Old Blues with Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy who suggested a special night for our 10 members and their families,” said a spokesperson for the club.

“Nationally there are 12 holders of dual club All-Ireland at senior level, Con O'Callaghan Alan Kerins and the others had their success with Cumann Fionnbarra Naofa.” The event took place at City Hall where each recipient received a formal commendation certificate from the city of Cork signed by the Lord Mayor.

The seven surviving players are: Jimmy Barry Murphy, Denis Burns, Donal O'Grady, John Allen, Christy Myers, Niall Kennefick, and John Cremin, and were all present on the night.

Philip O’Brien and family accepting on behalf of Bertie O’Brien; Aisling Ryan and family accepted on behalf of Christy Ryan, while Hannah Fitzpatrick and family accepted on behalf of Eamon Fitzpatrick.

Club president, Donal Murray, introduced each player/family representative with a short biographical summary of the achievements.

The event closed with Denis Burns responding on behalf of the recipients and he finished with a rousing selection of Barrs songs.

Elite

Speaking at the event then Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy said: “As Lord Mayor of Cork, it was a tremendous honour to welcome the seven surviving players and the families of the three deceased members of the legendary St Finbarr’s teams who achieved the extraordinary feat of winning both Hurling and Football Club Championships titles.

“With only 11 or possibly 12 of such players in the entire country ever having accomplished this dual championship milestone, the fact that 10 of them came from the Barrs is truly remarkable.

“For me personally, growing up, these men were spoken of as living legends, local heroes, names that carried weight, admiration, and pride for their incredible ability on the pitch.

“What makes this group even more exceptional is how each of them continued, and still do, to give back to their club, their community, and their county. Their passion, commitment, and love of the sport never faded.

“This celebration was a unique and heartfelt occasion, and without question, one of the highlights of my term as Lord Mayor.” 

St Finbarr’s dual All-Ireland club medal winners are: 

Jimmy Barry Murphy (4): hurling 1975 and 1978; football 1980 and 1981. 

Christy Ryan (4): hurling 1978; football 1980 (captain), 1981 and 1987. 

John Allen (4): hurling 1978; football 1980, 1981 (captain) and 1987. 

Donal O’Grady (4): hurling 1975 and 1978; football 1980 and 1981. 

Bertie O’Brien (4): hurling 1975 and 1978; football 1980 and 1981. 

John Cremin (4): hurling 1978; football 1980, 1981 and 1987. 

Denis Burns (4): hurling 1975 and 1978; football 1980 and 1981. 

Eamonn Fitzpatrick (3): hurling 1975 and 1978; football 1980. 

Niall Kennefick (2): hurling 1978; football 1981. 

Christy Myers (3): hurling 1975; football 1980 and 1981.

St Finbarr’s reached the All-Ireland club finals in both hurling and football in 1981. They were defeated by Shamrocks Ballyhale (Kilkenny) in the hurling final in Thurles May 17, and beat Walterstown (Meath) in the football final at Croke Park on May 31.