Jimmy Barry-Murphy has brought the curtain down on his second spell as Cork hurling manager.

Cork county board last night issued a statement confirming that the St. Finbarr's legend - who was inducted into the GAA's Hall of Fame on Wednesday - will not be continuing in the role after weeks of speculation about his future. JBM's last game in charge of the Rebels was the dismal 0-22 to 2-28 All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Galway a few weeks ago.

A holder of six All-Ireland medals - five hurling and one football - Barry-Murphy delivered a first Liam MacCarthy Cup to Leeside in nine years during his first spell as manager in 1999. He came within seconds of emulating that feat two years ago when Cork lost the All-Ireland final to Clare after a replay.

Barry-Murphy said: "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.

"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".

Cork chairman Ger Lane commented: "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 9 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.

"While we are very sorry to lose him, we have to accept his decision and wish him all the very best in the future."

Cork secretary Frank Murphy said JBM "has been an outstanding ambassador for our games and the Association and has given tremendous service to the county on and off the field. The board acknowledges his unstinting efforts with the county teams over the past four years in his second term as manager." 

Murphy added: "He has earned the utmost respect not alone in his own county but throughout Ireland and abroad as the consummate gentleman. We wish him well in his future endeavours and thank him for his loyalty and inspiring leadership".

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