Cork legend Jimmy Barry Murphy steps down from hurling post

Cork are looking for a new hurling manager after county legend Jimmy Barry Murphy quit the position last night

The Rebels boss's future had been the subject of speculation following the county's All-Ireland quarter-final defeat by Galway last month, and a county board statement last night confirmed that the 61-year-old would not continue in the role for a fifth season. “I have given a great deal of thought to Cork hurling since the defeat by Galway in the All-Ireland Quarter-final, and I now feel that the time is right for me to step down as manager," Barry Murphy said. "I want to sincerely thank the players, selectors, backroom support team and County Board for all their efforts in the last four years. I also want to thank our loyal supporters who always travelled in huge numbers in tough economic times to support us. "I know that Cork will continue to challenge for major honours in the years ahead. I wish everyone the very best next year and in the years to come." County chairman Gerard Lane thanked Barry Murphy for his service, saying: "As a player, Jimmy's achievements go right back to his first All-Ireland title with the Cork senior footballers in 1973, and he became one of the greatest dual players to ever grace the game. "During his initial stint as Cork senior manager, he delivered Cork's first All-Ireland Hurling title in nine years, and on his return, he guided the county to an All-Ireland hurling final and to a first Munster title since 2008. "He is a true legend and an iconic figure in Cork GAA, and we thank him most sincerely for all that he has done for our Association in over 40 years," added Lane. "While we are very sorry to lose him, we have to accept his decision and wish him all the very best in the future."