Murray hoping to bow out on a high and as a role model
CORK goalkeeper Aoife Murray is thrilled that she made a U-turn on her decision to retire as she chases down an eighth AllIreland medal in today’s camogie final showdown with Kilkenny.
Murray, sister of Cork manager Paudie, announced her decision to quit the game in the aftermath of last year’s All-Ireland success, but was convinced to return at the start of the summer.
‘I am delighted I came back playing with Cork once again this year.
‘I knew it was the right decision for me. I felt that I have more to learn, there is still more in me and I want to make sure I’ve tried to get the best out of myself,’ said Murray, who is likely to be featuring for Cork the final time today.
The circumstances which prompted her retirement have not changed, regularly travelling between Dublin and Cork is taking its toll on the veteran star.
‘The commute is the hardest,’ she admits.
I just turned 33 and living in Dublin and travelling so many times a week is not easy on the body.
‘I have picked up a few injures in recent times and driving I think encourages injures. Motivation isn’t an issue, I love being tested as this makes me work harder,’ said Murray, who claimed that three factors convinced her to come back.
‘I have two brothers and a cousin on the management team. At the end of the day family is everything. The second reason is I wanted to win more medals and thirdly I want to make sure my nieces and nephews have a female sports role model.
‘I want them to see female athletes in the same light as our male counterparts. This should be a standard and standards are always set at home,’ added Murray.
No one has set those standards higher than Cork’s legendary dual stars Briege Corkery and Rena Buckley, who will seek to win a staggering 17th All-Ireland medal today.
‘I like to call them Briena,’ joked Murray
‘I think they have morphed into the one person at this stage. They are truly inspirational players.
‘They are self-motivated and I think the most amazing thing about them is that they are extremely positive and you always get energy from them. They are also nuts,’ joked Murray.
Cork are chasing a third successive All-Ireland title after beating Kilkenny in 2014 and Galway last term.