‘Christy Ring was a huge Seanie O’Leary fan’

In hurling terms it stands alone as an endorsement of O’Leary, who passed away on Wednesday. His ability meant his inclusion was non-negotiable for Ring, whether injured or not

In the pre-match puck around prior to Cork's 1977 All-Ireland Hurling final against Wexford, Seanie O'Leary suffered a nose injury as a result of being struck by a sliotar. Only 14 Cork players paraded before the match as Seanie was rushed back to the dressing room by Dr Con Murphy and Frank Murphy. Seanie shrugged off the effects and scored the decisive goal as Cork won 1-17 to 3-8.

The constituent parts of the most famous story about Seanie O’Leary’s hurling career are well-known, but significant detail lurks behind that familiar narrative.

Most hurling followers will be familiar with the corner-forward’s unusual preparation for the 1977 All-Ireland hurling final. O’Leary, who passed away on Wednesday, was warming up with his Cork teammates on the Croke Park pitch when a sliotar struck him square in the face a few minutes before the parade.