'I was never really asked before' — JBM savouring his Barrs role as Nemo await

Now in his second year as Barrs football selector, the legend is thoroughly enjoying this new venture in an already distinguished sideline career.

BRAINS TRUST: St Finbarr’s manager Brian Roche with Jimmy Barry Murphy on the line against Éire Óg last season. Picture Dan Linehan

Jimmy Barry-Murphy joining the Barrs football ticket ahead of last season was no local coup. It was simply a case of being asked a question he’d never before been asked.

Now in his second year as Barrs football selector, the impression made on the players was superbly articulated by captain Steven Sherlock before the recent semi-final win.

“You just want to run through the wall for him anytime he talks,” said the Barrs talisman. “To be able to be in the dressing-room with him is special. All the lads think the same. It drives you on, no two ways about it.” 

For JBM’s part, he’s thoroughly enjoying this new venture in an already distinguished sideline career.

“Brian Roche got involved, and I'd been involved with Brian with the senior hurlers, his family are very good friends of mine. Look, he asked me to get involved, and I was never really asked by anyone in the football section before, even though I was always following them wherever we went,” explained the legend in blue and red.

“I suppose I was considered obviously more of a hurling [man] because I was involved with Cork, and Barrs hurling as well, so I suppose I didn't gravitate towards it myself either, but when Brian asked me, I was delighted, and hopefully I can make a contribution to it, that's what you're asked to do.” 

The contribution he made as a Barrs footballer was to lend a strong hand in the winning of five county titles. The old enemy further across the southside, though, he never ran into on the concluding Sunday. The old enemy the Barrs have never bettered on the concluding Sunday. Their record is four defeats and one draw when colliding with the black and green on county final afternoon.

“We've always had a great rivalry with them, even from my days going back playing minor, U21, and senior, fabulous rivalry, and I think it's a healthy thing," he added.

“Certainly, playing Nemo in a final is a challenge with their record, but it's something that we're conscious of and we’ll treat them with the utmost respect, and hopefully that it will go well for us on the day.

“When you go seven points down in a county semi final, it's something I didn't think they'd be able to peg back but obviously got the goals at a crucial time. Unlucky on Newcestown, but Nemo, as they always do, dug it out.”