Cork hurling legend Willie John Daly passes away
November 29, 2017
The late Willie John Daly at the 2011 Cork SHC final between Carrigtwohill and CIT
The passing of 'a true giant' of hurling, Willie John Daly, has caused sadness in Carrigtwohill and Cork GAA circles.
A three-time All-Ireland winner in the fifties, Willie John's impressive medal collection also included four Munster SHC, two NHL and three Railway Cup souvenirs.
When his playing days were over he got involved in coaching and took charge of the county's senior hurlers in 1972, guiding them to NHL honours two years later.
Carrigtwohill GAA club has paid the following tribute to Willie John via its Facebook page:
"The club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Carrigtwohill icon and Cork legend, Willie John Daly.
"Willie had an illustrious club career winning junior and intermediate championships with Carrig before going on to coach at various levels, including our senior hurling teams.
"At inter-county level he won 4 Munster senior hurling titles and 3 All-Irelands in the 1950s as well as 2 National leagues, 3 Railway Cups and Munster junior and All-Ireland titles. He also went onto coach Cork to a National league title.
"When he was interviewed by the Irish Examiner prior to our 2011 county final he laid out his philosophy; '"In hurling you never back away from anyone. You take on your man toe to toe. It doesn't matter who he is or how big a name he is. You take no backward step." It was a mantra he lived by on one of the greatest hurling teams in GAA history.
"Willie was a gentleman off the field, a great conversationalist and when he was inducted into the Vintage Gaels Hall of Fame in 2011 over 200 people turned up to celebrate his career. That night he donated one of his Railway Cup medals for auction which helped raise a significant amount for Marymount Hospice.
"Willie John Daly is synonymous with Carrigtwohill and Cork hurling and will be remembered as a true giant of the game. He will be sorely missed by his friends, his club and his county.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to his family at this difficult time.
"Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal."
Funeral arrangements:
Reposing at Cobh Community Hospital Mortuary on this Wednesday evening, November 29th, from 6pm with rosary at 7pm. Reposing on Thursday, November 30th, from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to St. Mary's Church, Carrigtwohill. Funeral Mass on Friday, December 1st, at 12 noon followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Carrigtwohill.
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