Christy Ring facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Christy Ring

Ring during 1957 Munster Hurling Semi-final
Personal information
Irish name	Críostóir Ó Rinn
Sport	Hurling
Position	Centre-forward
Born	(1920-10-30)30 October 1920 Kilboy, Cloyne, County Cork, Ireland
Died	2 March 1979(1979-03-02) (aged 58) Morrison's Island, Cork, Ireland
Height	5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
Nickname	Christy
Occupation	Oil delivery man
Club(s)
Years	Club
1938–1940 1941–1967	Cloyne Glen Rovers
Club titles
Cork titles	14
Munster titles	1
Inter-county(ies)*
Years	County	Apps (scores)
1939–1962	Cork	65 (33–208)
Inter-county titles
Munster titles	9
All-Irelands	8
NHL	4
*Inter County team apps and scores correct as of 16:05, 17 May 2008 (UTC).

Christy Ring (born October 30, 1920 – died March 2, 1979) was an amazing Irish hurler. He played for the Cork county team for 24 years, from 1939 to 1963. He set many records in the championship. These included playing in 65 games and scoring 33 goals and 208 points. He also won 8 All-Ireland medals. Many people think he was one of the best hurlers ever. Some even say he was the greatest of all time!

Christy was born in Cloyne, County Cork. He started playing hurling because his teachers encouraged him. He played for the Cloyne minor (underage) team when he was just twelve. Later, he won a county minor championship with the St Enda's team. He also won a junior championship medal with Cloyne.

In 1941, Christy joined Glen Rovers. He played with them for 26 years. During this time, he won one Munster medal. He also won 14 county senior championship medals. He even won a county senior football championship with St. Nicholas', a sister club. He stopped playing club hurling at 46. He estimated he played about 1,200 games in his senior club career!

Christy first played for Cork at 16. He was a substitute in the All-Ireland minor final. Cork won, but he didn't get a medal because he didn't play. In 1938, he won All-Ireland and Munster minor medals. He then joined the senior team in 1939. Over the next 25 years, he won 8 All-Ireland medals. This included a record four in a row from 1941 to 1944. He also won three in a row from 1952 to 1954. He was the first player to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup three times as captain. He also won 9 Munster medals and 4 National Hurling League medals. In 1959, at 38, he was named Hurler of the Year. He played his last game for Cork in 1963.

After he stopped playing, Christy became a coach. He helped St. Finbarr's College win their first two All-Ireland titles. He also helped Glen Rovers win their first All-Ireland club title in 1973. His biggest coaching success was with the Cork senior team. He helped them win three All-Ireland titles in a row from 1976 to 1978.

Christy Ring was known for his amazing scoring, strength, and how long he played. He is the only player to play inter-county hurling in four different decades. He was a quiet person in his private life. He never drank alcohol or smoked. He was also a very religious Catholic. Christy died suddenly in March 1979. His funeral was huge, showing how much he was loved. He was honored by being named on the Hurling Team of the Century in 1984. He was also on the Hurling Team of the Millennium in 2000.

Early Life and School

Nicholas Christopher Michael Ring was born on October 30, 1920. He grew up in Kilboy Cross, near the village of Cloyne in East Cork. He had two brothers, Willie John and Paddy Joe, and two sisters, Katie and Mary Agnes. His family later moved into Cloyne village. His father was a gardener and a former hurler. He taught young Christy to love the game. They would cycle 18 miles to Cork city to watch club games.

Christy went to the local national school in Cloyne. He was a quiet but hardworking student. Once, his teacher offered a hurley (the stick used in hurling) and a sliotar (the ball) as a prize. Christy worked hard and won the prize.

Christy left school before he was 14. He first worked as a mechanic. Later, he became a lorry driver for Córas Iompair Éireann in Cork city. In 1953, he started delivering oil for Shell Oil.

Club Hurling Journey

Starting with St. Enda's

Christy was only 12 when he played his first minor game for Cloyne. He played as a goalkeeper. Two years later, he played as a forward and won his first medal. This was at the annual Glenbower tournament.

By the late 1930s, Cloyne couldn't field a minor team. So, in 1938, Christy joined the St. Enda's team from Midleton. That year, he won a county minor championship medal. His team beat Seán Clárach's from Charleville by 5-3 to 4-0.

Playing for Cloyne

Christy's great playing with St. Enda's also helped the Cloyne junior team. They reached their first East Cork final. The Ring brothers were key players. Willie John scored 1-1 to help win the game 5-5 to 3-2 against Bride Rovers. Christy was sent off in a later game and missed the semi-final.

In 1939, Cloyne won the East Cork title again. Christy's scoring helped Cloyne reach their first ever county junior championship final. He played with an injured ankle. But he moved to the forwards and scored five points. Cloyne won 6-5 to 2-3 against Mayfield. This was his first adult county championship medal.

Joining Glen Rovers

Early Wins and Success

After a disagreement with the Cloyne club, Christy and his brothers left. Christy didn't have a club for over a year. Then, in 1941, his Cork teammate Jack Lynch invited him to join Glen Rovers. Christy agreed and played his first game for them. He played midfield in the final against Ballincollig. Glen Rovers won 4-7 to 2-2. This was Christy's first medal with the Glen.

Glen Rovers lost in 1942. But after some team changes, they reached the 1944 final. They faced St. Finbarr's. Christy was a big player, scoring 0-5. Glen Rovers won 5-7 to 3-3, giving him his second championship medal.

In 1945, Glen Rovers reached the final again. They played Carrigdhoun. Christy scored 0-6. Glen Rovers won 4-10 to 5-3, keeping their championship title.

Glen Rovers Keeps Winning

After losing in 1946, Glen Rovers made changes. They reached the 1948 final. Christy played midfield. Glen Rovers won 5-7 to 3-2 against Blackrock. This was his third medal.

In 1949, Glen Rovers played Imokilly in the final. It was a rainy day, but a great game. Christy scored a goal. Glen Rovers won 6-5 to 0-14, and he got his fifth championship medal.

Glen Rovers aimed for three titles in a row in 1950. They faced St. Finbarr's. The Glen's defense was amazing. They won 2-8 to 0-5. This secured a third straight title and Christy's sixth medal.

In 1951, Sarsfields stopped the Glen's winning streak. But the club came back strong in 1953. They faced Sarsfields again in the final. Christy scored 1-2. Glen Rovers won 8-5 to 4-3, giving him his seventh championship medal.

Christy was made club captain in 1954. Glen Rovers reached their 17th final in 20 years. They had many inter-county players. They beat Blackrock 3-7 to 3-2. Christy won his eighth championship medal and lifted the Seán Óg Murphy Cup.

More Championships

Glen Rovers lost the next two finals. Christy missed the 1958 win because he was sent off in the semi-final. But he still got a ninth medal because he played in earlier rounds. He was back for the 1959 final against Blackrock. Christy scored the winning goal with four minutes left. His 1-6 helped secure a 3-11 to 3-5 win and his tenth medal.

In 1960, Glen Rovers aimed for a third straight championship. They played University College Cork. It was a very exciting game. Christy scored a free to tie the game. Glen Rovers won 3-8 to 1-12. This gave Christy his eleventh championship medal.

Last Club Victories

In 1962, Christy, at 41, scored three goals in the semi-final against Imokilly. This helped Glen Rovers reach the final against University College Cork. The final was a draw, 3-7 to 2-10. The replay was even more thrilling. Glen Rovers won 3-8 to 2-10.

Christy was captain again in 1964. Glen Rovers faced St. Finbarr's in the final. Christy scored a key goal to give the Glen the lead. Glen Rovers won, and Christy got his thirteenth championship medal. He also captained the team to victory again. This win meant Glen Rovers was the first Cork club to play in the new Munster Club Championship. They won the Munster final, with Christy playing brilliantly. He earned a Munster medal after a 3-7 to 1-7 win over Mount Sion.

In June 1967, Christy scored 1-2 in a quarter-final win. Then, he suddenly announced his retirement. After more than 25 years, his club hurling career was over.

Playing for Cork County

Minor and Junior Teams

By 1937, Christy's minor hurling skills were noticed. He was considered for the Cork minor team. At 16, he was a substitute for the All-Ireland final against Kilkenny. Cork won, but Christy didn't play, so he didn't get a medal.

In 1938, Christy was still eligible for minor. He played his first game for Cork on May 22 against Limerick. He started as a defender, even though he became famous as a forward. He won a Munster medal. Cork beat Kerry 9-3 to 0-0. On September 4, 1938, Christy played his first game at Croke Park in the All-Ireland final. He scored a goal from a free. Cork won 7-2 to 5-4 against Dublin. This was his first All-Ireland medal with Cork.

In 1939, Christy was the youngest on the Cork junior hurling team. He was moved to the forwards. Cork lost their first game to Waterford.

Senior Team Debut

Christy first played for the Cork senior team as a substitute in early 1939. On October 22, he started his first competitive game. Cork played Kilkenny in the 1939–40 National Hurling League. Christy scored a point in Cork's 6-5 to 4-7 win. Cork reached the league final against Tipperary. Christy was the youngest player. Cork won 8-9 to 6-4, and he got his first league medal. He made his championship debut on June 2, 1940, in a 6-3 to 2-6 win over Tipperary.

Winning Four All-Irelands in a Row

Cork won their second league title in 1941, beating Dublin 4-11 to 2-7. This gave Christy his second league medal. Cork then played Limerick in the All-Ireland final on September 28, 1941. Dublin was their opponent. Cork won easily, 5-11 to 0-6. This was Christy's first All-Ireland medal. Later, Cork lost the delayed Munster final to Tipperary.

In 1942, Cork got another chance against Tipperary in the Munster final. Cork won 4-15 to 4-1. Christy scored 0-5 and won his first Munster medal. Cork then faced Dublin in the All-Ireland final on September 6, 1942. Cork won 2-4 to 3-4. This gave Christy his second All-Ireland medal.

Christy helped Cork win the Munster title again in 1943. He scored 1-3 in a close 2-13 to 3-8 win over Waterford. Cork then played Antrim in the All-Ireland final on September 5, 1943. Cork easily won 5-16 to 0-4. This secured Christy's third All-Ireland medal.

In 1944, Cork aimed for an amazing fourth All-Ireland in a row. They nearly lost to Limerick in the Munster final. The game was a draw, and then a replay. In the replay, Christy scored a winning goal from 40 yards out with a minute left. This secured a 4-6 to 3-6 victory and his third Munster medal. Many people say this was when Christy became the top hurler. Cork then beat Dublin 2-13 to 1-2 in the All-Ireland final on September 3, 1944. This made Cork the first team to win four All-Ireland titles in a row. Christy had four All-Ireland medals before he was 24!

Fifth All-Ireland and a Tough Loss

Cork's chance for five All-Irelands in a row ended in 1945. They lost to Tipperary in the Munster semi-final.

Christy was made captain of the Cork team in 1946. Cork reached the Munster final and easily beat Limerick 3-8 to 1-3. Christy scored 0-5 and got his fourth Munster medal. Cork then played Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final on September 1, 1946. Christy scored one of his most famous goals. He ran with the ball, dodging defenders, and shot it into the net. Cork won 7-5 to 3-8. This was Christy's fifth All-Ireland medal. As captain, he lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

Cork won the Munster title again in 1947, beating Limerick 2-6 to 2-3. This gave Christy his fifth Munster medal. Cork played Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final on September 7, 1947. It was a very close game. Kilkenny won 0-14 to 2-7. Christy was the top scorer in the championship that year.

Challenging Years

In 1948, Cork reached the Munster final against Waterford. Christy scored 1-4, but Cork lost 4-7 to 3-9.

In 1949, Cork had a very tough game against Tipperary in the Munster quarter-final. The game was a draw, and then a replay. The replay went to extra time. Tipperary won 2-8 to 1-9. Christy was held scoreless in these games.

In 1950, Christy was captain again. Cork and Tipperary met in the Munster final. Thousands of fans came to watch. Christy scored a goal to bring Cork back into the game. Tipperary eventually won 2-17 to 3-11.

Cork and Tipperary met again in the 1951 Munster final. Christy played brilliantly, but Tipperary won 2-11 to 2-9.

Winning Three All-Irelands Again

In 1952, Tipperary could have equaled Cork's record of four All-Irelands in a row. But Cork beat them in the Munster final. Christy played an inspiring game. Cork won 1-11 to 2-6. This was his sixth Munster medal. Cork then played Dublin in the All-Ireland final on September 7, 1952. Cork won 2-14 to 0-7. This gave Christy his sixth All-Ireland medal.

Cork and Tipperary played in the league final in 1953. Cork won 2-10 to 2-7. This was Christy's fourth league medal. For the championship, Christy was named captain of the Cork team. Cork and Tipperary met again in the Munster final. Christy had one of his best games. He scored a goal and eight points. He also made a great save on the goal line. Cork won 3-10 to 1-11. Christy lifted the Munster Cup and won his seventh Munster medal. Cork then played Galway in the All-Ireland final. Christy scored a goal. Cork won 3-3 to 0-8. As captain, Christy lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup for the second time. He also won a record seventh All-Ireland medal.

Christy remained Cork captain in 1954. He wanted to be the first player to win eight All-Ireland medals. Cork faced Tipperary in the Munster final. Cork won 2-8 to 1-8. This gave Christy his eighth Munster medal and his third win as captain. Cork then played Wexford in the All-Ireland final on September 5, 1954. A record crowd of 84,856 watched. It was a very close game. Christy scored a point in injury time. Cork won 1-9 to 1-6. This secured his eighth All-Ireland medal! He was also the first captain to get the Liam MacCarthy Cup three times.

Last All-Ireland Final Appearance

In 1955, Cork lost to Clare. In 1956, Cork played Limerick in the Munster final. Limerick was ahead by six points. But Christy scored three goals in the last few minutes! Cork won 5-5 to 3-5. He won his ninth Munster medal. Cork then played Wexford in the All-Ireland final on September 23, 1956. Cork was two points down. Christy ran towards goal and shot, but the Wexford goalkeeper, Art Foley, made an amazing save. Wexford won 2-14 to 2-8. Christy was denied his ninth All-Ireland medal. After the game, Wexford players lifted Christy onto their shoulders. This showed great sportsmanship.

Later Years and Retirement

Many people thought Christy would retire after 1956. But he kept playing. In 1957, he broke his wrist and missed the Munster final. Cork lost.

In 1958, Cork lost to Tipperary. In 1959, Cork played Waterford in the Munster final. Christy scored 1-5, but Waterford won 3-9 to 2-9. Even without championship success, Christy was named Caltex Hurler of the Year. He is still the oldest player to win this award.

In 1960, Christy was the top scorer in the league. Cork lost to Tipperary in the league final and then in the Munster final. In 1961, he was again the top scorer. Cork lost to Tipperary in the Munster final again.

In 1962, Cork lost to Kilkenny in the league final. This was Christy's last game at Croke Park for Cork. He played his last championship game for Cork in June 1963.

In 1964, Cork selectors decided not to pick Christy for the team. After 25 years, his inter-county career was over.

Inter-Provincial Games

Early Victories

Christy was first chosen for the Munster team in 1941. He was a substitute in the Railway Cup final, which Munster lost. In 1942, he played centre-forward. Munster won 4-9 to 4-5 against Leinster. Christy won his first Railway Cup medal.

In 1943, Christy and Jack Lynch played midfield for Munster. Munster won 4-3 to 3-5, and Christy got his second medal. In 1944, Munster won their third in a row, beating Connacht 4-10 to 4-4. Christy got his third medal. In 1945, Munster beat Ulster 8-8 to 2-0, winning a record fourth straight Railway Cup. Christy got his fourth medal.

In 1946, Munster won a record fifth straight Railway Cup. Christy scored a winning point from a sideline ball. This was his fifth medal. In 1947, Connacht beat Munster.

A Record Six Titles in a Row

In 1948, Munster beat Leinster 3-5 to 2-5. Christy played left wing-forward and made great runs. This was his sixth Railway Cup medal.

In 1949, Munster reached their ninth straight final. Christy was the star. He scored two goals. Munster won 5-3 to 2-9. He got his seventh medal.

In 1950, Munster beat Leinster 0-9 to 1-3. Christy won his eighth Railway Cup medal.

In 1951, Christy played left corner-forward. He played brilliantly. His 1-1 helped Munster win 4-9 to 3-6. He got his ninth medal.

In 1952, Munster played Connacht in the final. Christy scored 1-3 in the first half and another goal later. Munster won 5-11 to 4-2. Christy got his tenth Railway Cup medal.

Christy was captain of the Munster team in 1953. Munster beat Leinster 5-7 to 5-5. This was a record sixth straight title for Munster. Christy won his eleventh Railway Cup medal and lifted the cup as captain. In 1954, Leinster beat Munster.

Continuing Dominance

In 1955, Christy was captain again. Munster beat Connacht 6-8 to 3-4. Christy scored an amazing goal and three points. He accepted the cup for the second time and got his twelfth Railway Cup medal. In 1956, Leinster beat Munster.

In 1957, Christy played a masterful game against Leinster in the Railway Cup final. He scored 3-5! Munster won 5-7 to 2-5. This gave Christy his thirteenth Railway Cup medal.

In 1958, Munster beat Leinster 3-7 to 3-5. Christy won his fourteenth Railway Cup medal.

In 1959, Christy played an amazing game. He scored 4-5! Munster won 7-11 to 2-6. He got his fifteenth Railway Cup medal.

Final Years of Playing

In 1960, Christy was almost 40. He played for Munster for the 20th time. He scored two points in the 6-6 to 2-7 win over Leinster. This was his sixteenth Railway Cup medal.

In 1961, Christy played his 20th year of inter-provincial hurling. He scored two points before leaving with a leg injury. Munster won 4-12 to 3-9. He got his seventeenth medal.

In 1963, Munster and Leinster played in the Railway Cup final. Christy scored 1-1. The game was a draw, 5-5 apiece. In the replay, Christy had to leave due to injury. Munster won 2-8 to 2-7. This was Christy's eighteenth Railway Cup medal. It was also his last game for Munster.

Coaching and Management

Coaching Farranferris College

In 1963, Christy started helping the St. Finbarr's College, Farranferris senior team. He became a key coach. That year, St. Finbarr's reached their first Dr. Harty Cup final since 1952. They won the Munster title 4-9 to 4-3. On May 5, 1963, St. Finbarr's College won their first All-Ireland title, beating Patrician College 4-8 to 3-4.

Christy was still a mentor when St. Finbarr's College reached the 1969 Harty Cup final. They won their second Munster title 6-11 to 2-7. They then played St. Kieran's College in the All-Ireland final on April 27, 1969. St. Finbarr's College won 5-15 to 2-1. This was their second All-Ireland title.

Coaching Glen Rovers

In 1972, Christy was a selector for the Glen Rovers senior team. They reached the championship final against Youghal. Glen Rovers won 3-15 to 1-10. They then won the Munster title. Glen Rovers were later declared champions of the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship in 1973. They then won the game on the field, beating St. Rynagh's 2-18 to 2-8. This gave Christy an All-Ireland club victory as a selector.

After some losses, Glen Rovers reached the 1976 championship final against Blackrock. Glen Rovers won 2-7 to 0-10. They then won the Munster title. Christy's team played Camross in the All-Ireland final on March 27, 1977. Glen Rovers won easily, 2-12 to 0-8. This was Christy's second All-Ireland title as a selector.

Coaching Cork County Team

Christy joined the Cork senior hurling team selection committee in 1972. He was dropped after one year.

In September 1975, Christy was back on the selection committee. Cork immediately won the Oireachtas Cup. In 1976, Cork won the Munster title. They then faced Wexford in the All-Ireland final on September 5, 1976. Christy made a smart tactical change during the game. Cork won 2-21 to 4-11. This was Christy's first All-Ireland victory as a selector.

Cork played Clare in the Munster final in 1977 and won 4-15 to 4-10. The All-Ireland final on September 4, 1977, was against Wexford again. Christy gave great advice to the Cork players. Cork won 1-17 to 3-8. This was Christy's second All-Ireland as a selector.

Cork won the provincial title again in 1978, beating Clare 0-13 to 0-11. This led to an All-Ireland final against Kilkenny on September 3, 1978. Christy was very confident Cork would win. Cork won 1-15 to 2-8. This was Cork's third All-Ireland title in a row. It was the first time since Christy's own playing days that a team won three championships in a row. This All-Ireland final was Christy's last visit to Croke Park.

Christy Ring's Passing

Christy was in his late fifties but seemed healthy. He never smoked or drank alcohol. He stayed active by playing squash.

On Friday, March 2, 1979, Christy had a doctor's appointment. As he walked in Cork city, he had a sudden heart attack and collapsed. He was taken to the hospital but passed away. He was 58 years old.

News of his death shocked Ireland, especially Cork. His funeral was one of the biggest ever seen in Cork. About 60,000 people lined the streets. Many of his old rivals from other counties came. His coffin was covered in the Glen Rovers colors. Christy was buried in St Colman's churchyard in Cloyne. His friend, Jack Lynch, gave a speech at his grave.

Family Life

Christy Ring married Rita Taylor on September 12, 1962. Thousands of people came to see the wedding. Even the national radio station, Radio Éireann, reported on it. This was their first time reporting on a sports star's wedding.

Christy and Rita lived in Ballintemple, Cork. They had twin boys in 1963, Christy and John. Sadly, John died as a baby. Their daughter, Mary, was born in 1966.

Remembering Christy Ring

After his death, a committee worked to build a monument for Christy. It was placed at his old house in Cloyne, at the entrance to the Cloyne playing field. The statue was made by Yann Goulet. His brother, Willie John, helped build the memorial walls. Jack Lynch unveiled the monument on May 1, 1983.

Later, a statue of Christy was planned for Cork Airport. A new statue was placed in the main car park in 2006. Some people even suggested naming the airport after him.

In 1987, Cork Corporation built a new bridge over the River Lee. It was named the Christy Ring Bridge.

In 1988, the Cork County Board bought a soccer pitch called Flower Lodge. After a lot of work, it was opened on May 23, 1993. It was named Páirc Chriostóir Uí Rinn in Christy's honor.

In 2005, a new hurling championship for second-tier teams was created. It was named the Christy Ring Cup.

Famous Quotes

• "For the Doc! For the Doc!" Christy's happy shout after Cork beat Tipperary in 1952. Cork stopped Tipperary from winning four All-Irelands in a row.
• "Keep your eye on the ball, even when it's in the referee's pocket."
• "It isn't so quiet now boy." Christy's reply to a Limerick player in 1956. The player said Christy was having a quiet day, then Christy scored three goals!
• "I like to do the unorthodox and keep defenders worried...I usually attempt what other people might think is impossible."
• "My hurling days are over. Let no one say the best hurlers belong to the past, they're with us now and better yet to come."
• "You don't play hurling with your nose." Christy's reply to Seánie O'Leary who broke his nose before the 1977 All-Ireland final.
• "The contest was the most important thing for me. Playing the game was the most important thing as far as I was concerned. It wasn't what I got from it or what was at the end...but to play hurling for Cork...that was the most important thing."

Tributes to a Legend

• "'I have seen them all and he is the greatest hurler ever. Ring is a natural. A pocket Hercules, beautifully built with a powerful frame." - Gaelic games journalist P.D. Mehigan.
• "'The greatest hurler ever to grace a playing field." - Waterford hurler Christy Moylan.
• "'Any of us who saw him play were privileged. We will never see the like of him again. In my book Christy Ring was always number one, and he always will be." - Wexford hurler Bobby Rackard.
• "'To us kids Christy was the ultimate. We all modelled ourselves on him." - Kilkenny hurler Eddie Keher.
• "'There are no words I know of that can adequately do justice to the greatness of the hurler, Christy Ring...his genius in hurling was incomparable." - Irish Times journalist Paddy Downey.
• "We carried him at last." - Cork hurler Paddy Barry, after carrying Christy's coffin. This meant Christy had often "carried" the team to victory.
• "'Ring was hurling's Shakespeare, its Pelé, its Mozart. He came as close to perfection as any sportsman can." - Irish Independent journalist Éamonn Sweeney.
• "I never saw anyone like Christy Ring. In my opinion, his sort will never be seen again. He was the best I've ever seen, he had everything." - Former GAA President, Paddy Buggy.
• "Some people say Mackey was...Eddie Keher...but I have to give it to Christy, number one. Always did." - Tipperary hurler Jimmy Doyle.

Scoring Highlights

Christy Ring was an incredible scorer throughout his career.

Club Scoring

He scored 81 goals and 208 points in 78 games for Glen Rovers.

Inter-county Scoring

For Cork, he scored 102 goals and 374 points in 135 games.

Inter-provincial Scoring

For Munster, he scored 43 goals and 106 points in 43 games.

Awards and Achievements

As a Player

St. Enda's

• Cork Minor Hurling Championship (1): 1938

Cloyne

• Cork Junior Hurling Championship (1): 1939

St. Nicholas'

• Cork Senior Football Championship (1): 1954

Glen Rovers

• Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship (1): 1964
• Cork Senior Hurling Championship (14): 1941, 1944, 1945, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1954, 1958 (sub), 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1967 (sub)

Cork

• All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship (8): 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1946 (captain), 1952, 1953 (captain), 1954 (captain)
• Munster Senior Hurling Championship (9): 1942, 1943, 1944, 1946 (captain), 1947, 1952, 1953 (captain), 1954 (captain), 1956 (captain)
• National Hurling League (4): 1939-40, 1940-41, 1947-48 (sub), 1952-53
• All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship (2): 1937 (sub), 1938
• Munster Minor Hurling Championship (1): 1938

Munster

• Railway Cup (18): 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963

As a Selector/Coach

St. Finbarr's College

• Dr. Croke Cup (2): 1963, 1969
• Dr. Harty Cup (2): 1963, 1969

Glen Rovers

• All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship (2): 1973, 1977
• Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship (2): 1972, 1976
• Cork Senior Hurling Championship (2): 1972, 1976

Cork

• All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship (3): 1976, 1977, 1978
• Munster Senior Hurling Championship (3): 1976, 1977, 1978
• Oireachtas Cup (1): 1975

Individual Honors

• Hurling Team of the Millennium: Right wing-forward
• Munster Hurling Team of the Millennium: Left wing-forward
• Hurling Team of the Century: Right wing-forward
• Cork Hurling Team of the Century: Left wing-forward
• The 125 greatest stars of the GAA: No. 2
• Texaco Hurler of the Year: 1959
• Texaco Hall of Fame Award: 1971
• GAA Hall of Fame Inductee: 2013

See also

• List of All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship medal winners
• List of people on stamps of Ireland