More silverware for the ladies
BUSINESS as usual in Cork’s voracious appetite in search of ladies football silverware showing little sign of abating after completing a phenomenal six in-a-row and for good measure eleven All Ireland titles in twelve seasons.
And the medals keep stacking up for versatile Cork dual stars Briege Corkery and Rena Buckley, the pair have become the most medalled players in the history of gaelic games and camogie. For the third year in a row it was Dublin who suffered at the hands of Cork, again losing out narrowly in a football decider that was witnessed by a record attendance.
That brought Buckley and Corkery’s collection to 11 All-Ireland football senior medals and six camogie equivalent. And further honours may well be heaped on the pair at both the Camogie and Ladies Football All Star Awards, the dynamic duo nominated for the end of season celebrations that salute outstanding talent from another memorable season.
Corkery is no stranger to honours, the St. Vals star took delight on being a part of a Cork team that completed those three consecutive football wins over Dublin.
“We were determined not to lose in Croke Park, its a lucky venue for us. The secret is to give 100% at all times, its just not about one or two players but everybody giving their all for Ephie Fitgerald and the team management,” she said.
“When it sunk in, it was phenomenal with so many changes, girls injured or retiring, Eamonn (Ryan) left and Ephie came in to do a super job,”said Briege.
In the decider, Cork overcame an indifferent first-half display to triumph with substitute Rhona Ní Bhuachalla’s all important goal proving crucial.
“That score gave us the confidence to succeed and for Rena, Deidre O’Reilly, Bríd Stack and myself to be part of each winning football team was special. After the Munster Final, it required three games to win another All Ireland and that gave us the incentive to give it everything to complete our ambition.”
Not for the first time, Player of the Match Rena Buckley delivered a highly constructive performance on roaming Croker in search of work and responsibility that set the template for colleagues.
“Conditions were terrible, really a tough contest, kicking the ball wasn’t an option and in general play, there was nothing between the sides. Player of the Match could have gone to any team member, ‘twas a team effort that won it for Cork, Briege and myself are just lucky to come up with a bunch of girls that want the same as us,” said a modest Rena.
Deputy County Mayor Cllr. Kevin Conway, Robert McCarthy, General Manager, Maldron Hotel and Ephie Fitzgerald, Cork Ladies Football manager extended congratulations to Briege, Rena and their Cork colleagues on collecting the popular North City and District Sports Star Award.