Nollaig happy the hunger returned

Nollaig Cleary had plans. Grand, grand plans. The 32-year-old signed off on a most demanding, yet enjoyable chapter last January and was more than ready, more than willing to live life outside the red and white of Cork.

The Castlehaven native had given over a decade service in the number 10 shirt, but it was time to move on and pen the opening lines of her next chapter. There would be changes, significant gaps to fill of course, but Cleary, much like compatriot Juliet Murphy, felt centre-stage had been occupied long enough.

No more would she make the drive up to St Michael’s pitch for those gruelling winter sessions, no more league final excursions to Parnell Park, no more clashes with neighbours Kerry in their favourite hunting grounds of Cahersiveen and Castletownroche, no more afternoons to savour in Birr and most of all, no return to Croke Park. Sure, Cleary would keep September’s final Sunday free, as has always been the case, but this time it would be to lend support to her former team-mates.