Jimmy Lynam

Lynam played hurling with his local club Glen Rovers and enjoyed much success. He won numerous county senior championship titles with ‘the Glen’ throughout the 1950s and early 1960s.

Lynam first came to prominence with the Cork senior hurling team in the early 1950s at a time when Cork hurling was at a low ebb. After a period in the wilderness the Cork team bounced back in 1952, however, Lynam was still a bit player as Cork defeated three-in-a-row All-Ireland champions Tipperary in the provincial decider.[1] Dublin provided the opposition in the subsequent All-Ireland final with Lynam coming on as a substitute. ‘The Dubs’ were completely outclassed by Cork on that occasion. In spite of only leading by three points at half-time Cork won easily by 2-14 to 0-7 and Lynam picked up an All-Ireland winners' medal on the field of play.[2]

1953 began well for Cork with Lynam collecting a National Hurling League title after a defeat of Tipperary.[3] The success continued later on that summer as Twomey came on as a substitute to collect a Munster title after Tipperary were accounted for in the provincial final.[4] The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Galway take on Cork, however, Lynam played no part in the 3-3 to 0-8 victory. The game has gone down in history as one of the dirtiest All-Ireland deciders ever.[5] Lynam retired from inter-county hurling shortly afterwards.