Kevin Murray (hurler)

Kevin Murray (born 1972) is an Irish retired hurler and who played as a left wing-forward for the Cork senior team.^[1]

Born in Cloughduv, County Cork, Murray first excelled at hurling in his youth. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of seventeen when he first linked up with the Cork minor team, before later joining the under-21 and junior sides. He made his senior debut during the 1994 championship. Murray went on to play a key part for Cork for almost a decade, and won one All-Ireland medals and two Munster medals.

As a member of the Munster inter-provincial team, Murray won one Railway Cup medal. At club level he played with Cloughduv and St. Finbarr's.

His sister, Aoife, is an All-Ireland medallist with Cork in camogie. HIs other sisters, Claire and Emer, have played underage Gaelic football for Cork. His brother, Paudie, has won junior and intermediate football All-Ireland medals with Cork.^[2]

Throughout his career Murray made 17 championship appearances for Cork. He retired from inter-county hurling folloiwng the conclusion of the 2002 championship.

Playing career

Club

Murray began his club hurling career with Cloughduv before later transferring to southside city club St. Finbarr's.

Inter-county

Murray joined the Cork minor team in 1990. He won a Munster medal that year following a 1-9 to 0-9 defeat of Clare. Cork later faced Kilkenny in the All-Ireland decider, however, both sides finished level at 3-14 apiece. In the replay Kilkenny proved too strong as Cork faced a heavy 3-16 to 0-11 defeat.^[3]

The following year Murray was called up to the Cork under-21 hurling team. He won a Munster medal that year as Cork defeated Limerick by 0-17 to 1-7. Murray added a second Munster under-21 medal to his collection in 1993 following another 1-18 to 3-9 defeat of Limerick. Once again All-Ireland success eluded the team.

In 1992 Murray was a key member of the Cork junior team. He collected a Munster medal that year following a hard-fought 1-12 to 1-10 defeat of Clare. The All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Wexford, however, the sides finished level. The replay saw Cork start well, however, Wexford built up a six point lead. Even when playing with the wind in the second half Cork failed to turn the tide and were defeated by 0-13 to 1-8.

On 5 June 1994 Murray made his senior championship debut when introduced as a substitute in a 4-14 to 4-11 Munster quarter-final defeat by Limerick.

After a seven-year hiatus Cork's hurlers claimed the provincial title in 1999. A 1-15 to 0-14 defeat of three-in-a-row hopefuls Clare gave Murray his first Munster medal. Cork later faced Kilkenny in the All-Ireland decider on 12 September 1999. In a dour contest played on a wet day, Cork trailed by 0-5 to 0-4 after a low-scoring first half. Kilkenny increased the pace after the interval, pulling into a four-point lead. Cork moved up a gear and through Joe Deane, Ben O'Connor and Seánie McGrath Cork scored five unanswered points. Kilkenny could only manage one more score – a point from a Henry Shefflin free – and Cork held out to win by 0-13 to 0-12.^[4] It was Murray's sole All-Ireland medal.

Murray won a second Munster medal in 2000, as Cork retained their title following a 0-23 to 3-12 defeat of Tipperary.

Following the conclusion of the 2002 championship, Murray left the Cork panel.

Inter-provincial

Murray was picked for the Munster inter-provincial team in 1995. He won his sole Railway Cup medal that year as Munster narrowly defeated Ulster by 0-13 to 1-9.

Honours

Team

Cork

• All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship (1): 1999
• Munster Senior Hurling Championship (2): 1999, 2000
• Munster Under-21 Hurling Championship (2): 1991, 1993
• Munster Minor Hurling Championship (1): 1990

Munster

• Railway Cup (1): 1995

References