Gemma Begley | Angela Casey | Annette Clarke | Nollaig Cleary
Edel Concannon | Katrina Connolly | Briege Corkery | Bernie Finlay
Lorna Joyce | Kate Leah | Fiona McHale | Sarah McLoughlin | Angie McNally
Valerie Mulcahy | Andrea Murphy | Juliet Murphy | Mary Nevin
Bronagh O'Donnell | Geraldine O'Shea | Grainne Smith | Cora Staunton
Aisling Tierney | Patrice Dennehy
Nollaig Cleary has been an essential cog in the Cork ladies football machine that has dominated the sport for the last number of years. In September, the Rebelettes landed their 4th All-Ireland title on the trot, confirming the status of the girls from Cork.
Nollaig was always keen on sport when she was growing up in west Cork, which wasn’t really surprising as her brother John was a Cork Senior star at the time. “I always loved football. I started playing in Primary school and never looked back,” she said. Nollaig has been successful at every level she has played at. She scooped an All-Star in 2006 and was nominated again last year for her exploits at right half-forward, and all that hard work paid off once again this year as Cork landed the All-Ireland and League double.
“The 4-in-a-row was an amazing thing to achieve,” said Nollaig. “5 or 6 years ago, Cork had won nothing, so for us it was a great turnaround. It was something I never could have imagined.” Now, Nollaig is looking forward to a new year and new challenges, and that 5th All-Ireland isn’t far from her thoughts.
What have been your greatest moments in sport?
Winning the first All-Ireland with Cork in 2004. The feeling after winning that final is something I won’t forget.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
In the first year or two when I was playing with Cork and we were going for All-Irelands, Mayo were very hard to beat. Also, the 2006 final against Armagh, that was a really tough game.
Who was your toughest ever marker?
Our Cork captain Angela Walsh. I’ve played against her in training and in club games and she is very hard to play against.
Which players do you admire the most?
Tyrone’s Sean Cavanagh had an unbelievable year. I also really admire Cork’s Graham Canty.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
I used always follow the Cork football team when I was young so players like Niall Cahalane and Larry Tompkins were heroes for me.
How do you balance your job and football?
I’m lucky that I’m a Primary school teacher. I get two months off in the summer when we do a lot of our training and play a lot of our games. I also get loads of support from the staff here at the North Pres.
Do you play any other sports?
I play basketball with Team Montenotte in Cork.
What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
I’d say you should enjoy playing and training. Don’t take it too seriously, especially when you are young. Enjoy it, but also be committed and give it your best. Probably most important of all is to practise the basic skills.
What are your hopes for the future?
I’m looking forward to playing for Cork again next year and it would be great to win another All-Ireland. With my club Gabriel Rangers, we won our first Senior Championship game this year so next year we’re hoping to make a Senior final.
Name: Nollaig Cleary
Age: 28
Team: Cork
Debut: 2004
Position: Right Half-Forward
Honours:
4 All-Ireland Senior titles,
5 Munster Senior titles,
3 National Football League titles,
1 Munster Junior title,
1 All-Ireland Junior Club title,
1 All-Star Award,
1 All-Star Nomination.
Club: Gabriel Rangers
Fav Food: Steak and chips
Fav Band: U2
Fav Book: Miracle in the Andes
Fav TV: Law and Order
Fav Film: Walk the Line
Occupation: Primary School Teacher CúlFACT
Football family ties: Nollaig’s sisters Ailis and Deirdre are married to former Cork football stars Niall Cahalane and Michael Maguire. Her brother John is a former Cork Senior star, while brothers Dennis and Edmond have also been involved with Cork at various levels. |
