Angela Casey | Annette Clarke | Briege Corkery | Bernie Finlay | Lorna Joyce
Kate Leahy | Angie McNally | Valerie Mulcahy | Mary Nevin | Bronagh O'Donnell Geraldine O'Shea | Grainne Smith | Cora Staunton | Aisling Tierney

Last September, Briege Corkery put in a remarkable display at Croke Park to help Cork secure the 2005 Ladies Football Championship. It was her second visit to Croke Park in two weeks as she was also a key player in the Cork All-Ireland camogie winning side. It was some achievement for the then 18-year-old star. But that wasn’t all, she was picked on the Ladies football All-Star team and received a nomination on the camogie All-Star team before going on to win the Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year Award.

It’s one hectic schedule for Briege, whether lining out for Cloughduv or St Valentine's on the club front or representing her county in both ladies football or camogie. She wouldn’t have it any other way, “When you are enjoying the games it is not hard to combine the two “she says. Now, after winning a National Football League title already this year, Briege can’t wait for the 2006 Championship to kick off. The question remains whether she can match the achievements of 2005 - we think she can.

What has been your greatest moment in sport?
As a dual player 2005 was a great year for me, winning the National League and Championship in football, and the Championship in camogie also.

Who are the toughest teams you have faced?
Mayo are the toughest team around. Last year, we managed to beat them by 1 point - but only because we scored 4 points in the last 3 minutes of the game! That was a close one.

Who was the toughest opponent you have ever faced?
Narita Kelly, who plays for Rockchapel and Cork. She’s a very crafty player and works very hard at her game.

How do you balance your work and sporting commitments?
I train 7 days a week because I play both football and camogie, and as well as my full-time job I also work Saturday night in a bar so I’m kept busy. But I absolutely love playing and they’re very understanding at work so it’s not a problem for me.

Which players do you admire the most?
Narita Kelly – she’s a great player, always in the right place at the right time.

Who were your childhood sporting heroes?
Diarmuid O’Sullivan and Roy Keane for their determination on the field of play.

What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for St. Valentines and our biggest rivals would be Rockchapel and Dunamore.
Dunamore have won the County Championship for the last 11 years!

Do you play any other sports?
As well as being a dual player in GAA, I also play soccer with Lakewood when I can.

What are your hopes for the future?
On the club front, I’d really love to win the County Championship this year, and with Cork I hope we can retain our All-Ireland title.

What advice would you give to young players?
Being involved in sport brings lots of opportunities so I advise all young players to stay playing. As well as being great fun, it keeps you healthy, helps you to make friends and can also open doors in terms of job opportunities.

© June 2006

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