Jimmy Lee hails Iain Corbett as one of Limerick’s greatest footballers

LIMERICK senior football manager Jimmy Lee has paid a glowing tribute to Iain Corbett, describing him as one of the greatest players ever to wear the Shannonsiders’ jersey. Corbett announced his inter-county retirement on Sunday evening. 

“I have no doubt about it, he is one of the greatest footballers to play for Limerick. People look back to John Galvin, John Quane and others down through the years, but in my opinion, Iain will be remembered alongside those names. He has done it all,” said Lee.

Over the last two years, Lee has managed Corbett at inter-county level, having earlier managed him with Newcastle West, while the two also share a close bond as next-door neighbours.

"He's been some servant, he has fourteen long years given to the Limerick jersey. In fairness to the lad he has left the jersey in a better place, eight of them seasons were as captain, he's a lot of time given to it. Not only Iain but his new wife Laura and his family have given a lot of time to Limerick football. Obviously, Iain was away training and Dylan his son is a year just gone, it's been a fair commitment given those circumstances," added Lee. 

One of the most poignant moments came after Limerick’s Tailteann Cup final defeat to Kildare in July at Croke Park, when Sportsfile captured a powerful image of Corbett with his son.

"At the end of the day, that's what it's all about Iain and Laura are neighbours of mine we live in the same place. There are special memories there for Iain, he doesn't say a whole pile he is a man of few words but by god when he talks he would leave the hairs standing on the back of your neck."

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Throughout his career, the Newcastle West clubman experienced both the highs and lows of Limerick football competing in Divisions 2, 3 and 4, reaching Munster finals, and lining out in this year’s Tailteann Cup decider. 2020 was one of the highlights for the former Limerick captain where he was nominated for an all-star. 

"The biggest testament to Iain is in the not so good times when things weren't going according to plan, he inspired a new generation of people. There is youngsters coming through that want to be the next Iain Corbett and that's what he has left a legacy with Limerick. Iain could have got on any inter-county team I believe, he is unreal in that regard. Everything he gets and comes his way in the next few days by god he deserves every minute of it."

In July 2024, Corbett suffered a serious hamstring injury that could have ended his career, but Lee says it was no surprise to see the Newcastle West man battle back.”

"The pain he was under that night, I've never seen pain like it, I actually took him from Rathkeale that night. He is a strong man and christ almighty I've never seen anything like it. That's testament to his character and that never say die attitude, Iain will always give it everything". 

Lee admitted that Corbett will be a loss in the Limerick dressing room. 

"His presence in the dressing room for Limerick will be a big void, however, I have no doubt his presence in the Newcastle West dressing room will continue with him being the driving force behind it. He parts us leaving behind a huge wealth of knowledge and experience which he has passed on to his teammates."