Donal O'Grady: Like Frank Sinatra, Teddy McCarthy did it his way

I was very impressed by his athleticism and amazing talent. As I got to know the young Teddy, he struck me as having a mind of his own and that he was his ‘own man’

STANDING PROUD: Sarsfield players form a guard of honour for Cork sporting legend Teddy McCarthy as his remains are carried to his grave at Rathcooney Cemetery, after requiem mass at St Joseph's Church, Glanmire on Saturday. Pic: Larry Cummins

The full names of the stars are not needed. In hurling, the greatest of them all is simply referred to as Ring. Beckenbauer, Best or Cruyff in soccer. LeBron or Brady in American sports. It’s exactly the same for Teddy Mac. The rest of the surname is superfluous. Those with a passing interest in hurling or Gaelic football, no matter where they are based, at home or abroad, will have heard of Teddy Mac.

Mainly because of his double All-Ireland of 1990 but also for his aerial prowess, athleticism, skill and playing style, as a dual player for many years.