Jane Adams | Veronica Curtin | Claire Doherty | Mags D'Arcy
Aisling Diamond | Shónagh Enright | Jessica Gill | Fiona Hahnefeld | Mary Lacey Ciara Lucey | Therese Maher | Mairin McAleenan | Eimear McDonnell
Sinéad Millea | Niamh Mulcahy | Eileen O'Brien | Mary O'Connor
Una O'Donaghue | Una O'Dwyer | Imelda Kennedy | Catherine O'Loughlin
Jen O'Leary | Joanne Ryan | Marie Dargan | Sinéad Cahalan
Tina Hannon | Trish Jackman
Mary O’Connor’s world revolves around sport, and that sport is camogie. When she is not playing at the top level for The Rebels she is promoting the game and spreading the word as a Camogie Association Development Officer. Work hard, play hard, she loves it!
She was rewarded in 2006 with the Player of the Year Award for her outstanding performances in the red and white of Cork. Since making her debut, she has won 5 All-Ireland titles and 8 National League medals. And not just content with camogie, she has also won 2 All-Ireland football medal and 2 National Football League titles in the last two years. It’s been some journey for Killeagh’s coolest.
Now with another National Camogie League medal in her pocket for 2007, she can’t wait for the Championship to get going. She is going for a treble of camogie doubles, the question is; who will stop her?
What has been your greatest Rebel moment?
Winning my first All-Ireland with Cork back in 1997 was special for me. We had lost the previous year to Galway so it was great to come back and win it that year. I played at centre-forward and scored a point.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
Tipperary are our greatest rivals. It’s always a tough game against them.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
Jane Adams from Antrim is a really tough opponent.
How do you balance your job and football?
I’m a Games Development officer for the Camogie Association so I guess my world revolves around the game. Camogie is my life, I love promoting it and love playing it even more.
Which players do you admire the most?
Rena Buckley who plays wing-back for Cork is great. I also admire Anna Geary and Deirdre Hughes from Tipperary.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
Roy Keane was always a big hero of mine. In hurling, I was a big fan of Cork goalie Ger Cunningham and Offaly’s Brian Whelehan. Real stars of the game.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Killeagh at Junior level and our biggest rivals are St Finbarrs.
Do you play any other sports?
I also play Gaelic football.
Do you have any superstitions?
I has to be Weetabix and hot milk before a game, everytime.
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to stay injury free, keep my form and stay committed to getting the best for Cork Camogie.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
First touch is the most important skill by a mile. Also, another great skill is the overhead pull which keeps the ball moving at all times.
What advice would you give to young players?
Practise as much as you can. The better you become at the skills, the more you will enjoy the game. Also try to get along and watch the top players in action, you will get great inspiration from them.
Name: Mary O’Connor
Age: 30
Team: Cork
Debut: 1996 v Wexford
Position: Centre-Back
Honours:
5 All-Ireland Senior titles,
8 Munster Senior titles,
8 National Camogie League titles,
2 All-Ireland Club titles,
3 Munster Club titles,
2 All-Ireland Senior football titles,
1 All-Ireland Int. football title,
2 All-Star Awards,
Vodafone Player of the Year 2006
Club: Killeagh
Fav Food: Mammy’s Stew
Fav Book: The Notebook
Fav Band: Counting Crows
Fav Film: The Ghost of Mrs Muhr
Fav TV: Vicar of Dibley
Hobbies: Walking and listening to music
Occupation: Development Officer with the Camogie Association.
CúlFACT:
In 1989 Mary won a County A hurling title with Killeagh and another Cork superstar, Joe Deane, was playing full-forward. © May 2007
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