Setting the record straight for a great Cork hurling full-back
In his reference to the All Ireland final of 1977, O’Flynn states “Tony Doran was doing major damage at full-forward, cue … shift Brian Murphy to full-back”.
My recollection, and that of others I’ve spoken to, is no such problem existed because our stalwart full-back (and Cork captain Martin O’Doherty) totally dominated Doran, and not only played on at full-back but went on to receive that year’s All Star Award for it.
In the second edition of A History of Hurling, Seamus King refers to the same 1977 All Ireland Final on page 170, writing “the Cork captain, Martin O’Doherty of Glen Rovers, was outstanding at full-back”. Cork hurling fans have come to expect a more accurate account of the facts from The Irish Examiner, especially in recalling the great services provided to hurling by Martin O’Doherty, who still manages to hold a record number of All Ireland medals in College, Minor, Under-21 and Senior.
John V O’Sullivan
Kingsford Park,
Douglas,
Cork.
