All-Ireland winner Brian Tobin dies

THE death has taken place of former Blackrock and Cork hurler Brian Tobin, following a recent illness. He was an All-Ireland winner at minor, U-21 and club level and he also represented the county in senior.

In 1967, he was full-back on the minor team which defeated Wexford in the All-Ireland final, his team-mates including Bernie O’Connor, the father of Ben and Jerry O’Connor. He followed with three consecutive All-Ireland U-21 medals, the first against Kilkenny and others against Wexford.

A respected member of the Blackrock team which ended an successful period by winning the 1971 Cork county senior championship, he won a second medal in 1973. And, in both seasons he was a member of the side which claimed the club’s first two All-Ireland titles.

He managed the Cork office of Church & General Insurance. And, he was prominently associated with the company’s sponsorship of the NHL.

Through his extensive GAA contacts he played a major role in establishing sponsorship, which continues under the Allianz brand.