SPECULATION OVER THE future of Jimmy Barry-Murphy as Cork senior hurling boss continues with the Rebels legend insisting yesterday that he hasn’t thought about his position since their All-Ireland quarter-final exit last month.
Barry-Murphy has a year left to run on his current deal after being in charge for the past four seasons.
“I can’t wait for next year, work it our ye’re selves’, was Barry-Murphy’s reply in the wake of that loss to Galway in Thurles.
Yesterday at the announcement of his induction as a GAA legend into the GAA Museum’s Hall Of Fame, Barry-Murphy was tight-lipped about his future.
“I haven’t even thought about it since. The club championships are on and I honestly haven’t thought about it since the match in Thurles that day.
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m still manager as of now anyway. I’m not going to think about that now. I’m going to enjoy myself today.”
Barry-Murphy was certain about the future of one aspect of the GAA, the day of the dual player at senior has come to an ened.
“I was just being selfish trying to use it because we were trying to get Aidan Walsh and Damien Cahalane in.
“Myself and Brian Cuthbert had a chat. Brian wasn’t entirely happy either. He’d rather they were playing football only as well.
“Neither of us were prepared to put the guns to players’ heads. Down the line now it has changed.
“The players realised themselves in the course of the year, and I did too, that it wasn’t fair to them.”
Barry-Murphy believes players have to make a call after minor.
“I would say so, pretty much after minor, definitely. It’s very hard at U21 level. They’re all being pulled and dragged. Fitzgibbon Cup kicks in, Sigerson Cup kicks in.
“It’s very difficult and it’s just not going to be a factor ever again.”
Despite winning six All-Ireland senior medals and seven Allstar awards, Barry-Murphy was taken aback by yesterday’s award.
“I didn’t expect it to be honest, whether they are trying to give me a message I’m not sure!
“It’s a lovely honour and it is a fantastic amenity when you look and see all the medals.
“Mick Mackey’s medals are there, Jimmy Doyle, Christy Ring, Jack Lynch.
“It is a great exhibition and it is lovely to be part of it and to have my memorabilia there it is a tremendous honour for me and my family.
“It is very much appreciated.”
