Murphy lauds man of ‘very special talents’

All-Ireland winning coach Archdeacon Michael O’Brien, whose death occurred Friday after a long illness, was described by Cork secretary Frank Murphy as ‘a wonderful priest deeply devoted to his calling’ and a man with ‘very special talents’ in the management of teams at a variety of levels.

He was involved in nine All-Ireland title wins with Cork, at minor, junior and senior level and also enjoyed major success at second and third level with Farranferris and UCC.

Former Tipp star Nickey English, who managed the county to their 2001 Liam MacCarthy Cup triumph praised him for the major role played in his sporting and personal development.