Former Cork hurler and four-time All-Ireland winner Seanie O'Leary has passed away aged 69.
The Youghal clubman established himself as a legendary inside forward and adept goal-poacher during the 1970s and 1980s, winning nine Munster SHC titles to go along with four Celtic Crosses.
After making his senior debut for Cork in 1971, O'Leary collected Munster medals in 1972 and 1975, though Cork were subsequently foiled, by Kilkenny and Galway respectively, in Croke Park.
However, a glorious era of Cork hurling had dawned. O'Leary was an integral part of the Cork side that completed the three-in-a-row between 1976-78.
O'Leary was especially central in the 1977 decider against Wexford, scoring the Rebels' only goal and grabbing 1-02 as Cork triumphed by six points.
After a fallow couple of years at the turn of the 80s, Cork returned to prominence in 1982, reaching two All-Ireland deciders before winning the centenary All-Ireland title in 1984.
O'Leary, in his swansong season, was particularly influential, famously scoring a late winning goal in the dramatic 1984 Munster final against Tipperary and then nabbing 2-01 as they overwhelmed Offaly in the Semple Stadium-hosted Centenary All-Ireland final.
He retired from the inter-county game after the 1984 season, earning a third All-Star in his final campaign to go with earlier awards in 1976 and 1977.
O'Leary later enjoyed success in coaching, guiding his divisional side Imokilly to successive Cork hurling titles in 1997 and 1998.
He served as a selector on the Cork teams which won All-Ireland titles in 1999 and 2004, working alongside former teammates Jimmy Barry Murphy and Donal O'Grady.
His son Tomás O'Leary, an All-Ireland winning minor captain with the Cork hurlers in 2001, found fame as a rugby international and was starting scrum-half for Ireland's Grand Slam winning season of 2009 and the Munster team which claimed the 2008 Heineken Cup.
Seanie's former team-mate Tomás Mulcahy paid tribute to O'Leary on social media.
"Just heard of the sad passing of one of Corks greatest - Seanie o Leary - some man to get you a goal - lovely person - Condolences to all his family - RIP Seanie"
