Seán Óg Murphy
Encyclopedia
Jackie 'Seán Óg' Murphy (1897–1956) was a famous Irish
sportsperson. He played hurling
with his local club Blackrock
and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1915 until 1929. Murphy captained Cork to the All-Ireland
title in 1926 and 1928. His inclusion on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century marks him out as one of his county’s greatest-ever players.
in 1897. The son of a publican, he was educated locally at St. Peter and Paul School before later attending both the South Monastery and the North Monastery secondary schools
. At the North Mon Murphy joined the school’s first-ever hurling team before later joining his local club St. Vincent's
. Following his education Murphy worked as a claims supervisor with the City of Cork Steampacket Company. He subsequently moved from the northside to the southside of Cork and joined the Blackrock GAA
club, the most successful hurling club in Cork.
with Blackrock and his club football
with Nils. He had much success with these two clubs in the Cork County Championships. With Nils he won junior football titles in 1913 and 1914. Murphy and his teammate, Sean Shanahan, won several titles. He and Sean remained great friends until Sean's death in 1943. The club stepped up to senior level after the latter win, with Murphy winning further titles in 1915, 1917 (as captain), 1924 and 1925. With his beloved Blackrock hurling team he won county titles
in 1913, 1920, 1924, 1925 and 1927. The last three wins featured Murphy as captain of the side.
. On that occasion Murphy remained on the substitute’s bench as ‘the Cats’ captured their second All-Ireland title on their way to their only three-in-a-row.
Three years later in 1915 Murphy was on Cork’s starting fifteen. That year he collected his first Munster
title as Cork defeated Clare
by 8-2 to 2-1. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Laois
. At half-time Murphy’s side took a 3-0 to 2-2 lead, however, Laois fought back in the second half to claim the victory.
Four years later in 1919 Murphy added a second Munster title to his collection as Limerick
were defeated by 3-5 to 1-6. Once again Cork reached the All-Ireland final where Dublin
provided the opposition. At half-time Cork were coasting by 4-2 to 1-1. Murphy’s side held onto the lead and won the game by 6-4 to 2-4. It was Cork’s first All-Ireland
title in sixteen years and it was Murphy’s first All-Ireland medal.
1920 saw Murphy win a third Munster title as Limerick fell again by 3-4 to 0-5. The subsequent All-Ireland final was a replay of the previous year’s game as Dublin provided the opposition once again. Both sides remained in the game for the majority of the hour, however, a four-goal blitz by Dublin saw that side win by 4-9 to 4-3.
Cork were defeated in the provincial championship for the next few seasons as Limerick and Tipperary
came to dominate the competition. In the winter and spring of 1925-1926 the inaugural National Hurling League
was played. Cork reached the final of that competition and defeated Dublin, giving Murphy, who was serving as captain, a National League meda.. Cork later proved themselves by reaching the Munster final. Tipperary were the opponents on that occasion and took a 1-2 to 0-0 lead. At that point the game was abandoned and a replay was ordered. The second game was a much tighter affair with both sides finishing level on a score line of 4-1 to 3-4. The third game was also a close affair, however, Cork pulled through to win by 3-6 to 2-4, giving Murphy a fourth Munster title. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Kilkenny at a snow-covered Croke Park
in October of that year. Murphy’s side took the lead at half-time and held on to win by 4-6 to 2-0. It was Murphy’s second All-Ireland medal, his first as captain.
Cork retained their Munster title in 1927 with a 5-3 to 3-4 victory over Clare
. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Dublin once again. Cork fell behind by 2-3 to 0-1 at half-time; however, they fought back in the second-half. In a team made up of nine members of An Garda Síochána ‘the Dubs’ claimed the victory by 4-8 to 1-3.
In 1928 Cork faced Clare in the Munster final for the second year in-a-row. Murphy was captain for the third year. That game ended in a draw, however, in the replay Cork triumphed with Murphy collecting sixth Munster title. Cork later defeated Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final before lining out against Galway
in the championship decider. Galway got a bye into the final without picking up a hurley, however, the game turned into a rout. A score line of 6-12 to 1-0 gave Cork the victory and gave Murphy a third All-Ireland medal. 1928 also saw Murphy lining out with the Irish Hurling Team in the Tailteann Games
, Ireland’s answer to the Olympic Games
.
In 1929 an injury in a game against Clare ended Murphy’s hurling career. The timing was unfortunate because if he was fit enough to play he would have won another set of Munster and All-Ireland medals.
in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He first played for his province as captain in the inaugural year of the Railway Cup competition in 1927, however, Leinster
were the victors on that occasion. Murphy served as captain again in 1928 and 1929 as he collected two Railway Cup winners’ medals.
Murphy also served as a selector on various Cork hurling teams over a period of four decades. While still a player he was a selector on the Cork teams that won the All-Ireland title sunder his captaincy in 1926 and 1928. Even though an injury brought his hurling career to an end Murphy served as a selector as Cork won two more All-Ireland titles in 1929 and 1931. He was a key member of the backroom team again as Cork won six more All-Ireland titles in 1941, 1943, 1944, 1952, 1953 and 1954. As a tribute to Murphy the trophy awarded to the winners of the Cork Senior Hurling Championship
is called the Seán Óg Murphy Cup.
Jackie ‘Seán Óg’ Murphy died in 1956. He was posthumously honoured in 2000 when he was named in the full-back position on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He played hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club Blackrock
Blackrock GAA
Blackrock National Hurling Club is a G.A.A. club located on the southside of Cork City, Ireland. The club was founded in 1883 and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling.-History:...
and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1915 until 1929. Murphy captained Cork to the All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
title in 1926 and 1928. His inclusion on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century marks him out as one of his county’s greatest-ever players.
Early life
Seán Óg Murphy was born in Merchant Street, CorkCork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
in 1897. The son of a publican, he was educated locally at St. Peter and Paul School before later attending both the South Monastery and the North Monastery secondary schools
The North Monastery
The North Monastery is a collection of primary, secondary and a Gaelcholáiste schools located at Our Lady's Mount, Cork City, Republic of Ireland.-History:...
. At the North Mon Murphy joined the school’s first-ever hurling team before later joining his local club St. Vincent's
St. Vincent's GAA (Cork)
St. Vincent's GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Blarney Street and Sundays Well parts of Cork city, Ireland. It also includes in its catchment area Gurranabraher, Churchfield and Knocknaheeny. Teams are fielded in Gaelic football, hurling and camogie. The club participates in...
. Following his education Murphy worked as a claims supervisor with the City of Cork Steampacket Company. He subsequently moved from the northside to the southside of Cork and joined the Blackrock GAA
Blackrock GAA
Blackrock National Hurling Club is a G.A.A. club located on the southside of Cork City, Ireland. The club was founded in 1883 and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling.-History:...
club, the most successful hurling club in Cork.
Club
Murphy played his club hurlingHurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with Blackrock and his club football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with Nils. He had much success with these two clubs in the Cork County Championships. With Nils he won junior football titles in 1913 and 1914. Murphy and his teammate, Sean Shanahan, won several titles. He and Sean remained great friends until Sean's death in 1943. The club stepped up to senior level after the latter win, with Murphy winning further titles in 1915, 1917 (as captain), 1924 and 1925. With his beloved Blackrock hurling team he won county titles
Cork Senior Hurling Championship
The Evening Echo Cork County Senior Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Cork County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in the county of Cork in Ireland....
in 1913, 1920, 1924, 1925 and 1927. The last three wins featured Murphy as captain of the side.
Inter-county
Murphy showed such great talent as a young hurler that he was drafted onto the Cork team for the 1912 All-Ireland final against KilkennyKilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
. On that occasion Murphy remained on the substitute’s bench as ‘the Cats’ captured their second All-Ireland title on their way to their only three-in-a-row.
Three years later in 1915 Murphy was on Cork’s starting fifteen. That year he collected his first Munster
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
title as Cork defeated Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
by 8-2 to 2-1. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Laois
Laois GAA
The Laois County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Laois and the Laois inter-county teams.-History:...
. At half-time Murphy’s side took a 3-0 to 2-2 lead, however, Laois fought back in the second half to claim the victory.
Four years later in 1919 Murphy added a second Munster title to his collection as Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
were defeated by 3-5 to 1-6. Once again Cork reached the All-Ireland final where Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
provided the opposition. At half-time Cork were coasting by 4-2 to 1-1. Murphy’s side held onto the lead and won the game by 6-4 to 2-4. It was Cork’s first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
title in sixteen years and it was Murphy’s first All-Ireland medal.
1920 saw Murphy win a third Munster title as Limerick fell again by 3-4 to 0-5. The subsequent All-Ireland final was a replay of the previous year’s game as Dublin provided the opposition once again. Both sides remained in the game for the majority of the hour, however, a four-goal blitz by Dublin saw that side win by 4-9 to 4-3.
Cork were defeated in the provincial championship for the next few seasons as Limerick and Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
came to dominate the competition. In the winter and spring of 1925-1926 the inaugural National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
was played. Cork reached the final of that competition and defeated Dublin, giving Murphy, who was serving as captain, a National League meda.. Cork later proved themselves by reaching the Munster final. Tipperary were the opponents on that occasion and took a 1-2 to 0-0 lead. At that point the game was abandoned and a replay was ordered. The second game was a much tighter affair with both sides finishing level on a score line of 4-1 to 3-4. The third game was also a close affair, however, Cork pulled through to win by 3-6 to 2-4, giving Murphy a fourth Munster title. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Kilkenny at a snow-covered Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
in October of that year. Murphy’s side took the lead at half-time and held on to win by 4-6 to 2-0. It was Murphy’s second All-Ireland medal, his first as captain.
Cork retained their Munster title in 1927 with a 5-3 to 3-4 victory over Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Cork take on Dublin once again. Cork fell behind by 2-3 to 0-1 at half-time; however, they fought back in the second-half. In a team made up of nine members of An Garda Síochána ‘the Dubs’ claimed the victory by 4-8 to 1-3.
In 1928 Cork faced Clare in the Munster final for the second year in-a-row. Murphy was captain for the third year. That game ended in a draw, however, in the replay Cork triumphed with Murphy collecting sixth Munster title. Cork later defeated Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final before lining out against Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
in the championship decider. Galway got a bye into the final without picking up a hurley, however, the game turned into a rout. A score line of 6-12 to 1-0 gave Cork the victory and gave Murphy a third All-Ireland medal. 1928 also saw Murphy lining out with the Irish Hurling Team in the Tailteann Games
Tailteann Games
The Tailteann Games were an ancient sporting event held in Ireland in honour of the goddess Tailtiu. They ran from 632 BC to 1169-1171 AD when they died out after the Norman invasion....
, Ireland’s answer to the Olympic Games
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
.
In 1929 an injury in a game against Clare ended Murphy’s hurling career. The timing was unfortunate because if he was fit enough to play he would have won another set of Munster and All-Ireland medals.
Provincial
Murphy also lined out with MunsterMunster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He first played for his province as captain in the inaugural year of the Railway Cup competition in 1927, however, Leinster
Leinster GAA
The Leinster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Leinster. The Leinster Council has been partnered with the European County Board to help develop Gaelic Games in Europe...
were the victors on that occasion. Murphy served as captain again in 1928 and 1929 as he collected two Railway Cup winners’ medals.
Post-playing career
In retirement from playing Murphy maintained a keen interest in Cork’s hurling and football affairs. In 1929 he was appointed secretary of the Cork County Board, one of the most demanding jobs in the country. He served in that position until his death.Murphy also served as a selector on various Cork hurling teams over a period of four decades. While still a player he was a selector on the Cork teams that won the All-Ireland title sunder his captaincy in 1926 and 1928. Even though an injury brought his hurling career to an end Murphy served as a selector as Cork won two more All-Ireland titles in 1929 and 1931. He was a key member of the backroom team again as Cork won six more All-Ireland titles in 1941, 1943, 1944, 1952, 1953 and 1954. As a tribute to Murphy the trophy awarded to the winners of the Cork Senior Hurling Championship
Cork Senior Hurling Championship
The Evening Echo Cork County Senior Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Cork County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in the county of Cork in Ireland....
is called the Seán Óg Murphy Cup.
Jackie ‘Seán Óg’ Murphy died in 1956. He was posthumously honoured in 2000 when he was named in the full-back position on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century.
Sources
- Corry, Eoghan, The GAA Book of Lists (Hodder Headline Ireland, 2005).
- Cronin, Jim, Making Connections – A Cork G.A.A Miscellany, (2005).