Teddy McCarthy, the former Cork dual star, has died suddenly at the age of 57.
He was the first and only player in the history of the GAA to win All-Ireland titles in hurling and football in the same year, when Cork won the double in 1990.
The Sarsfields and Glanmire club man enjoyed an 11-year inter-county career with the Rebels, becoming a regular starter in both sides by 1987.
Remarkably, he won his first All-Ireland title on his hurling championship debut as he was part of the Cork side that defeated Galway in the 1986 final.
McCarthy would split four All-Irelands evenly between both codes, as well as winning nine Munster titles (six football, three hurling) and a football All-Star in 1989.
That same year he was crowned the Texaco Footballer of the Year as the key figure in Cork's Sam Maguire success.
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It will be his exploits in 1990, however, that he will be forever remembered.
He picked off three points from midfield in the hurling decider as Cork rallied from six points down at the break to defeat Galway 5-15 to 2-21, before returning to GAA HQ a fortnight later at wing-forward for the footballers as the Rebels completed the double with a two-point victory over Meath.
GAA president Larry McCarthy paid tribute, saying: "The outpouring of emotion which has greeted the sad news about the passing of Teddy McCarthy says much about the esteem in which he was held, not just in his native Cork but, throughout the GAA.
"He will live on forever in the history of our games, admired as one of their finest exponents and enshrined in our annals for his stunning feat of winning the Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire Cups in that unforgettable September of 1990.
"There was so much more to Teddy than that though, he was a great club man who dedicated himself to the progress of Sarsfields and Glanmire and was the vice Chair of Sarsfields, and while his loss will be immense, his impact will continue to serve as an inspiration. Our deepest sympathies to his wife Oonagh, daughter Sinéad, sons Niall and Cian, his wider family, friends, club and county colleagues."
Cork GAA chairman Marc Sheehan described McCarthy as "a legend and Icon of Cork GAA, Sarsfields & Glanmire. There is great shock and sadness to hear of his untimely passing."
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Glanmire GAA club paid tribute to McCarthy.
"The saddest news has rocked our club and community in the last hour, the passing of the much loved, Teddy McCarthy
"May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
Sarsfields hurling club also paid their respects to the GAA legend.
"Very, very sad day for the club as our vice chairman and legend Teddy McCarthy has passed away."
A book of condolences will be opened at City Hall this morning by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Deirdre Forde.
The Lord Mayor said she was deeply saddened to hear of his death.
She stated: "He was a giant in the rich sporting tradition of our city and county and his legend will live on.
"On behalf of the citizens of Cork, I want to express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and former team mates on their loss."
