Give freedom of the city to sportswoman Briege

The victory of our ladies’ football team in last Sunday’s All-Ireland senior final was fantastic and the most extraordinary sporting achievement of 2014.

The level of skill, fitness, and determination required to turn around what appeared to be a hopeless situation, midway through the second-half, deserves special recognition.

All of the players displayed remarkable courage in pursuit of the ultimate prize and are to be congratulated on a wonderful All-Ireland success.

Much credit must go to their coach, Eamonn Ryan, and his fellow mentors, for guiding these wonderful sportswomen to such high standards for many years.

But in acclaiming these stars and their achievements, I believe now is a fitting time to award our highest honour, the freedom of the city, to one of the great leaders of this wonderful group, namely, Briege Corkery.

We have heard a lot about the achievements of other sport stars over the years, and rightly, so but has anybody in our county equalled the record of Briege?

Bestowing our city’s highest honour on a true legend, such as Briege, would not only be an acknowledgement of the progress ladies’ football has made, but it would be no more than Briege deserves, for her achievements in both Gaelic football and camogie.

Martin Bowen

Oaklawn

Ballingohig

Knockraha

Co Cork