CARRIGTWOHILL GAA CLUB have announced the death of Willie John Daly. The Cork hurling legend passed away this morning at the age of 92.
The last-surviving member of the Cork side that won three consecutive All-Ireland senior hurling titles between 1952 and ’54, Daly and Christy Ring were widely regarded as the key forwards in that successful Rebels side.
In addition to picking up junior and intermediate championship medals with Carrigtwohill, Daly won four Munster titles and two National Leagues at inter-county level, as well as three Railway Cups with Munster. As a manager, he steered Cork to a National League title in 1974.
A club statement from Carrigtwohill, the 2011 Cork senior hurling winners, reads:
The club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Carrigtwohill icon and Cork legend, Willie John Daly. Willie had an illustrious club career, winning junior and intermediate championships with Carrig before going on to coach at various levels, including our senior hurling teams.
“At inter-county level he won four Munster senior hurling titles and three All-Irelands in the 1950s, as well as two National Leagues, three Railway Cups and Munster junior and All-Ireland titles. He also went on to coach Cork to a National League title.
“When he was interviewed by the Irish Examiner prior to our 2011 county final he laid out his philosophy: ‘In hurling you never back away from anyone. You take on your man toe to toe. It doesn’t matter who he is or how big a name he is. You take no backward step.’
Our fave #EirGridGAA moment had to be Brian Lordan & Mick Fitzgerald lifting our 1st county in 93 years with the legendary Willie John Daly! pic.twitter.com/0g39mM8c8l
— Carrigtwohill GAA (@Carrig2hillGAA) August 29, 2017
“It was a mantra he lived by on one of the greatest hurling teams in GAA history. Willie was a gentleman off the field, a great conversationalist and when he was inducted into the Vintage Gaels Hall of Fame in 2011 over 200 people turned up to celebrate his career. That night he donated one of his Railway Cup medals for auction which helped raise a significant amount for Marymount Hospice.
“Willie John Daly is synonymous with Carrigtwohill and Cork hurling and will be remembered as a true giant of the game. He will be sorely missed by his friends, his club and his county. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family at this difficult time.”
