Ronan O'Gara has paid tribute to Cork GAA legend Teddy McCarthy following his death aged 57.
He was the first and so far only player in GAA history to win both the All-Ireland Senior football and hurling titles in the same year, a feat he achieved with Cork in 1990.
Rugby great O'Gara described McCarthy as an inspiration as he paid tribute on Wednesday morning.
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The La Rochelle head coach tweeted: "Rest In Peace Teddy McCarthy. Inspired all Cork young fellas no matter what sport you played. Thoughts with his family and friends."
Glanmire and Sarsfields hero McCarthy enjoyed a wonderful career that included All-Ireland senior medals across the two codes. He featured as a midfielder as The Rebels beat Galway and then lined out at left-half forward as he helped Cork defeat Meath following painful final defeats to The Royals in '87 and '88.
An All-Ireland senior football medalist and Footballer of the Year in 1989, he also earned a football All-Star Award. Four years later he was part of the Cork side that beat Wexford to win the national hurling league.
McCarthy also won two Cork SFC medals in 1984 and 1986 with Imokilly and an intermediate title with Glanmire. He narrowly missed out on a senior hurling medal with Sarsfields in 1989.
After a spell as Sarsfields manager after his playing days had ended he led Bandon to the 2011 county IHC title. He spent a season as Laois senior hurling manager and had spells with Éire Óg and Kilworth.
In 2012 his autobiography named 'Teddy Boy' was published. He was also the vice-chairperson of Sarsfields HC up until his death.
Paying tribute, a Glanmire GAA statement read: "The saddest news has rocked our club and community in the last hour, the passing of the much loved, Teddy McCarthy.
"We extend our deepest condolences Oonagh, sons Cian and Niall, daughter Sinead and family and friends. May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
Sarsfields hurling club also paid their respects to the sporting legend.
They said: "Very, very sad day for the club as our vice chairman and legend Teddy McCarthy has passed away."
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