Cork mourns a sporting ‘giant’
Tributes have continued to pour in for Cork legend Teddy McCarthy following news of his death on Tuesday. He was 57 years old
McCarthy played for both the Cork senior hurling and football teams and is the only player in GAA history to win All-Ireland senior championship medals in both sports in the same year.
The midfielder was part of the underdog Cork hurling team that fought back to beat Galway by 5-15 to 2-21 in the 1990 All-Ireland hurling final. 2 weeks later, he lined out for the Cork football team against Meath, helping the Rebels to win 0-11 to 0-9. At club level, McCarthy played hurling with Sarsfields and football with Glanmire. His retired from playing in 1996.
As a manager, McCarthy took the helm at his old Club Sarsfields in 2001, guiding them team to senior hurling championship semi-finals in 2002 and 2003. He would later manage the Bandon intermediate hurling team before becoming Laois senior hurling team manager in 2011, a role he held for 3 years.
Since news of his death broke, countless tributes have been made to the Cork legend. The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Deirdre Forde also opened a book of condolences at Cork City Hall for the late GAA star.
The Lord Mayor said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Teddy McCarthy. He was a giant in the rich sporting tradition of our city and county.”
”On behalf of the citizens of Cork, I want to express my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and former team mates on their loss.”
Former Ireland and Munster rugby player Ronan O’Gara wrote on Twitter: “Rest in peace Teddy McCarthy. Inspired all Cork young fellas no matter what sport you played. Thoughts with his family and friends.”
An Tánaiste Micheál Martin wrote: “Deeply saddened at the passing of Teddy McCarthy, whose unique achievements in 1990 will forever live in our memories. He thrilled all with his soaring leaps into the sky. Teddy was passionate about GAA and sport and I always enjoyed chatting after games. My sympathies to his wife Oonagh, and children Cian, Niall and Sinead.”
Cork City Cllr Dan Boyle said: “So sad to hear this. And at such a young age. Along with thousands of others I had the privilege of being in Croke Park for the 1990 All-Ireland Football final, when he created history as a 25 year old.”