John Quirke (2 May 1911 – 24 August 1983) was an Irish hurler who played as a right corner-forward for the Cork senior team. Quirke made his first appearance for the team during the 1932 championship and was a regular member of the starting fifteen until his retirement after the 1946 championship. During that time, he won four All-Ireland medals, four Munster medals and two National League medals. Quirke was an All-Ireland runner-up on one occasion. At club level, Quirke was a three-time county club championship medalist with Blackrock. Quirke's sister, Dolly Leahy, was an All-Ireland medalist in camogie with Cork. Playing career Club Quirke played his club hurling with the famous Blackrock club and enjoyed much success. In 1929, he was just out of the minor grade when he lined out in his first championship decider at senior level. A 5–6 to 2–2 defeat of fierce city rivals St. Finbarr's gave Quirke his first championship medal. Blackrock reached the county final once again in 1930. A 3–8 to 1–3 defeat of Glen Rovers gave Quirke a second successive championship medal. 1931 presented Blackrock with the chance to complete a hat-trick of championship titles. A decisive 2–4 to 0–3 of Éire Óg gave Quirke his third successive championship medal. Blackrock would not win another championship for twenty-five years. Cork Quirke first played for Cork when he was drafted onto the minor team during the 1929 Munster Minor Championship. He made his only appearance in the grade on 20 October 1929 when he lined out at centre-back in Cork's 2-01 to 0-02 defeat by Tipperary. As county champions, Quirke's club Blackrock had the selection of the Cork senior team for the 1932 Munster Championship. A dispute arose between the club and the Cork County Board when the system was changed and some senior players boycotted the team, however, Quirke was one of a number of new additions to a team that held both the Munster and All-Ireland titles. He made his championship debut on 12 June 1932 when he lined out at left corner-forward in a 5-06 to 1-05 victory over Waterford, but was switched to left wing-forward when Cork suffered a 5-02 to 4-01 defeat by Clare in the 1932 Munster final. By the start of the 1939 Munster Championship Quirke, who had been one of Cork's most consistent forwards since his debut, found himself switched to the centre-back position