Cork mourns passing of their cult four-time All-Ireland hero Seánie O’Leary, 69
Cork's Seánie O'Leary in action against Kilkenny's Dick O'Hara. Photo: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Cork GAA is in mourning after the passing of four-time All-Ireland winner Seánie O’Leary at the age of 69.
One of the Rebel County’s most celebrated goalscorers, O’Leary (above) won All-Ireland titles at the three major grades, including two minor, a pair of U-21 medals to go with the four times he was part of a Liam MacCarthy winning side.
A noted scorer of goals, he won his first senior All-Ireland in 1976 as part of that three-in-a-row side (1976-’78) before collecting his fourth medal in 1984.
The Youghal man also picked up his third All-Star that year, having previously been selected in 1976 and again the following year. He famously broke his nose during the warm-up for the 1977 final.
O’Leary, who was a cult figure on Leeside, also won nine Munster titles and four National League titles during a decorated career.
His contribution to Cork hurling didn’t end with his playing career. He was a selector under Jimmy Barry-Murphy as they swept to All-Ireland glory in 1999 and he was involved again under Donal O’Grady when the Rebels won in 2004.
O’Leary’s son Tomás captained the Cork minors to All-Ireland glory in 2001 before he went on to carve out a successful rugby career, playing 24 times for Ireland, winning a Grand Slam in 2009 and lifting the Heineken Cup twice with Munster in 2006 and 2008.
O’Leary’s former Cork team-mate Tomás Mulcahy was amongst those to paid tribute to him on social media: “Just heard of the sad passing of one of Cork’s greatest – Seánie O’Leary – some man to get you a goal – lovely person – Condolences to all his family – RIP Seánie”.
Meanwhile, Mayo’s Oisín Mullin has been included in a list of Geelong’s nine off-season signings despite reports that his move had hit a snag.
The 2020 Young Footballer of the Year was officially announced by Geelong a number of weeks ago but since then there had been suggestions that the switch may not go through.
However, he was named as the side’s new number 34 as AFL outfits gear up for the new season.
Mullin joins Kerry’s Mark O’Connor and Laois’ Zach Tuohy at Geelong, who saw Stefan Okunbor return to the Kingdom earlier this year.
Earlier this week it emerged that Fermanagh’s Ultan Kelm would not be joining Fremantle until at least 2023 after he suffered the recurrence of a hip injury.
