Mulcahy oozing with talent

HARD work and sacrifice were major themes yesterday. Of course many of the recipients had already made sacrifices. Some of them major ones.

Take camogie star Niamh Mulcahy. A multi-talented young woman, Mulcahy had managed to combine performing at a high level in both camogie and soccer but when the inevitable fixture clash came, it was no ordinary one.

Having helped Limerick win an historic Division 1B league — the county’s first ever senior title — the Ahane prodigy played a starring role as the Shannonsiders reached the All-Ireland senior B final, where Cork lay in wait.

On the same weekend, Ireland’s U19 soccer team was due to play Slovakia in a European Championship Qualifier. She was invited to take her place in the panel. A choice had to be made.

Being a grand-daughter of Jim Mackey, and grand-niece of Mick, it was predictable what way she would go.

“I had a decision to make and camogie came up trumps. It was a very big decision and obviously I was gutted that I couldn’t go (with Ireland) but I’m underage for the soccer again next year so hopefully I can perform again and get called back.

“But another big factor is that Limerick don’t get to too many All-Ireland finals so I don’t think there was any way I was going to give up the opportunity.”

For now she’ll continue to line out with Ashling Annacotty in the soccer and hopefully Ireland. And having to choose between the two permanently is a sacrifice she will be putting off for as long as possible.

“Until I’m really forced to make a big decision I’m going to try and combine the two.”