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

The one thing that Cork ladies football hotshot Valerie Mulcahy wants more than anything else is an All-Ireland medal. The Rebels have yet to win a major senior title. They came agonisingly close this Spring when they almost toppled Mayo at Pearse Stadium in the National League final but they lost out by three points in the end. Valerie did well that day, scoring three points.

But that did little to offset the disappointment of losing out on the league title. “We were very disappointed, we left it after us. I was disgusted. But we’re optimistic about the championship. The league really helped us and got us used to the high profile games and the strong teams,” said the University of Limerick PE student.
This will undoubtedly help them when they kick-off a tough Munster campaign against Kerry and, with a bit of luck, Valerie and her team-mates could be bringing silverware back to Leeside this year.

What have been your greatest moments in sport?
Most recently was winning the O’Connor Cup with UL. It took us three years to do it. Winning the Junior All-Ireland with my club Rockbán was unbelievable and
winning the Intermediate All-Ireland a year on was almost as sweet. Representing Ireland in soccer in the World Student Games in Korea last summer was also an amazing experience.

Who are the toughest team you have ever faced?
When I was younger it was Waterford, as we always seemed to get drawn against them at underage and senior level, when they were in their prime. Now there are more teams in contention for the championship and it will be tough to get out of Munster alone.

Who was your toughest ever marker?
Angela Walsh (Cork) or Jenny Johnston (Kerry).

What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Enjoy playing, look after your body, and make loads of friends through sport. Don’t give up, you haven’t lost until you stop trying. Some dream of worthy accomplishments, while others stay awake and make them happen.

How do you balance being a student and playing football?
There is plenty of time for both. It’s a matter of making the time. Football is a great outlet from the study. With the college we train a lot in the evenings and at weekends I go home for county and club training. It’s harder to juggle football and soccer in the college over anything else.

Which players do you admire most?
In ladies football I think my friends Mary O’Rourke, Kacey O’Driscoll and Patrice Dennehy are excellent skillful players. As a child Sandy Fitzgibbon and Fiona O’Driscoll were the sporting figures I looked up to.

What are your GAA hopes for the future?
To win an All-Ireland with Cork, sooner rather than later! Beat Donoughmore and win the county championship. Retain the O’Connor Cup with UL and I wouldn’t refuse an All-Star in years to come!

© June 2005

Back to Top