'We'll bounce back' - Cork and Glen Rovers hurling star Jimmy Lynam celebrates 100th birthday

Cork's oldest living All-Ireland hurling medalist is backing the county to bounce back from this year's final disappointment.

Glen Rovers president John O'Callaghan makes a presentation on behalf of the Glen Rovers Social Initiative Choir to Jimmy Lynam on his 100th birthday. Also in picture is Jimmy's brother Noel Lynam at Care Choice Ballynoe, White's Cross. Picture: David Creedon

Former Cork and Glen Rovers star Jimmy Lynam has celebrated his 100th birthday.

A member of the great Cork team of the early 1950s, Lynam won All-Ireland senior medals in 1952 and 1953. He also has two Munster senior medals and a National Hurling League medal. And he won seven Cork senior titles with the Glen, playing alongside such luminaries as Christy Ring. 

In a room at CareChoice Nursing Home decked out with balloons in Glen Rovers colours, Jimmy was surrounded by family and friends listening to the Cork Male Voice Choir.

“I am delighted to be celebrating my 100th birthday with my beautiful family, friends and the great people of my club Glen Rovers,” Jimmy smiled. 

The hurling year didn't go entirely to plan for Jimmy, with Cork beaten by Tipperary in the All-Ireland final and his beloved Glen bowing out at the quarter-final stage of the Cork county championship. But Jimmy won't lose hope on either front.

“Look it didn’t happen this year but hopefully both Cork and my club will learn lessons and bounce back next season."

Cork hurler Jimmy Lynam with Willie O'Callaghan. Picture: David Creedon

Jimmy first played with Christy Ring in 1944, he previously told the Irish Examiner

“The county final that year was played on October 27, against the Barrs, and I was 19 on the first of that month.

“A month before the county final, Cork won the All-Ireland, the four-in-a-row, remember. The Glen had Din Joe Buckley, Paddy O’Donovan, Dr Jim Young, Jack Lynch and Christy Ring on that team.

“That was the company I was in when I went into the dressing room at 19. The whistle went to go out onto the field, we paused for a couple of seconds, and the committee men were saying ‘come on, ye’ll win nothing in here’, and Paddy O’Donovan spoke to me: ‘Come on boy, we’ll look after you’.”

Son Kieran and daughter Mary have been looking after Jimmy since the death of their mother in 2015, and both are very proud of their father.

“We looked after him at home until 18 months ago but to be honest after coming out of hospital he went to the home and he is very happy as the staff here are absolutely incredible,” said Kieran.

Mary is thrilled this birthday landmark arrived with her father in good health.

“I just thought to myself this morning how many people do I know that are 100 and outside of my father who we love dearly the answer is zero. Many thanks to all the well-wishers who have reached out to him," Mary added.