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

Mayo have been leading the way in women’s football for the last few years and their star forward is Cora Staunton. Still only 21, she has already won three All-Ireland titles with Mayo and looks set to win many more in the years ahead.
Known for her long-range point scoring, Staunton has been the inspiration behind many great Mayo performances. That leadership has already been awarded with three All Stars, and she was also Young Sportsperson of the Year for 2000.
For 2003, Staunton wants to help Mayo win another All-Ireland title, but she knows it won’t be easy.

What are your hopes for the year?
We are setting out to reach the All-Ireland final again, and hopefully do well in that. The main thing is to progress as far as we can, but Kerry will be very strong this year, and of course Laois, Monaghan and Waterford as well. I’d say there will be eight counties that can win this year.

What was your greatest football moment?
Winning back the All-Ireland title last year was probably the sweetest, because we had lost the year before in the final by a point. It was our third overall but stands out for me as the best win.

Who is the toughest team or player you have ever been up against?
We have had some very tough battles with a lot of teams. And I would say Monaghan and Waterford have been our two toughest. But I wouldn’t really have one toughest opponent. I can’t think of any.

Who was your childhood hero?
The one player that I did admire when I was younger was Maurice Fitzgerald. I just thought he was a wonderful footballer, so watching him play was always exciting.

What advice do you give to young footballers?
Most of all I’d say you should enjoy the game, and not to take everything so seriously. Winning isn’t everything and competing well is the most important thing. But you should also listen to the coaches because at the end of the day they are the ones that will take you far.

© June 2003

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