Tributes flow after death of Cork great Seanie O'Leary
December 02, 2021
The late Seanie O'Leary ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Cork hurling great Seanie O’Leary at 69.
A four-time All-Ireland SHC winner, O’Leary started at corner-forward in the Rebels’ three-in-a-row success between 1976-78, and the centenary triumph in 1984.
The Youghal clubman also won All-Ireland minor hurling medals in 1969 and 1970, as well as U21 titles in 1971 and 1973.
His goal in against Tipperary in 1984 earned Cork the Munster SHC title and he’d hit two more in that year’s All-Ireland final against Offaly.
A distinguished inter-county career also saw him finish with nine Munster SHC titles, four National League crowns and three All-Star awards.
After his playing days were over, O’Leary would work alongside Jimmy Barry-Murphy as a selector when Cork landed the Liam McCarthy Cup in 1999 and he’d be an assistant to Donal O’Grady when the Leesiders repeated the trick in 2004.
His son Tomás O’Leary captained Cork to All-Ireland minor hurling glory in 2001 and would go on to have an illustrious career in rugby, winning the Heineken Cup with Munster in ’08 and the Grand Slam with Ireland the following year.
Rest in peace Seanie O’Leary. Our condolences to our friend Tomás, and to all of Seanie’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/n4XdWUZtnE
— Cork's RedFM Sport (@BigRedBench) December 1, 2021
Sad news with the passing of Seanie O’Leary RIP one of @OfficialCorkGAA greatest forwards what a career 4 AI Medals, 4 NHL 3 All-Stars and 9 Munster titles.
— Finbarr Mc Carthy (@FiFinnymac) December 1, 2021
The @YoughalGAA gave some service to club and county on and off the field. pic.twitter.com/eGyJre2OwD
Just heard of the sad passing of one of Corks greatest - Seanie o Leary - some man to get you a goal - lovely person -
— Tomas Mulcahy (@tomas_mulcahy) December 1, 2021
Condolences to all his family - RIP Seanie
RIP Seanie O’Leary. What a brilliant hurler - and a lovely man off the pitch. I was always struck by how much the Cork fans adored him. Love this great photo from @irishexaminer of Seanie and his good friend, Dr Con. A right pair! Deepest sympathy to the O’Leary family pic.twitter.com/tF4YHbfGzp
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) December 1, 2021
Heartfelt sympathies to the family of the legendary Seánie O’Leary @OfficialCorkGAA. May he Rest in Peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. https://t.co/JTbQzjgXQT
— Brian Carthy (@briancarthyrte) December 1, 2021
So sorry to hear of the passing of Cork hurling maestro, Seanie O'Leary aged just 69. Seanie lit up GAA stadiums in the 70s & 80s. Some man to put away a goal, his winner against Tipp in '84 is still etched in my mind. Condolences to his family & friends. #Laoch #OneSeanieLeary. pic.twitter.com/XA2FjDODjM
— john creedon (@johncreedon) December 1, 2021
UCC GAA sends it’s condolences to the family of Seanie O’Leary. This legendary Cork hurler was part of our fresher hurling management in 2015 & 2016. A great character and gentleman. May he rest in peace @HigherEdGAA @YoughalGAA pic.twitter.com/gd9lFei6zK
— UCC GAA (@ucc_gaa) December 1, 2021
Seánie O'Leary with the “touch” all the greatest hurlers have pic.twitter.com/yjtz3yVTjq
— Ray Boyne (@AnalysisGaa) March 17, 2020
Seanie O'Leary. A hurling hero. RIP. pic.twitter.com/fppTjioYEo
— Dermot Keyes (@DermotKeyes) December 2, 2021
TweetVery sad to hear of the passing of Seanie O’Leary. Terrific record for @OfficialCorkGAA as a player & as a Selector. His ability to score goals made him a perennial fan's favourite .
— Joe Seward (@JoeSeward1) December 1, 2021
● 4 All Irelands
● 9 Munster Titles
● 4 NHL Titles
● 3 All Stars ⭐ ⭐⭐
RIP Seanie #GAA pic.twitter.com/M0YAAMgrmO
