Smart money on Cork minors to take title

THE Cork ladies football minor side, who are seeking their third successive Munster title on Monday against Kerry in Killorglin, received a welcome financial bonus this week.

Sponsors Smart Telecom have given the team a performance bonus ahead of the final, and if Cork reach the All-Ireland final, the company will give a second bonus.

“We are thrilled that Smart Telecom have generously given a performance bonus for our achievements,” said Chairman of the Cork Ladies Football Board, Michael O’Suilleabhain.

“It illustrates the professional direction the ladies game is taking and it’s excellent to see all involved to be recognised for the dedication they put in to the game.”

Mary White, PRO of the county board, pointed out that the extra funding will not go into the pockets of the minor team.

“It’s called a performance bonus for the team but it’ll go Cork ladies football, not the minors. It depends on the county board how the money is spent, but it’s not a matter of giving the money to players for winning games. If the team goes further in the championship then expenses increase - hotels, transport and so on will all have to be paid for. It won’t go into the team’s pickets.

“The sponsorship deal with Smart Telecom entailed them giving us a certain amount of money at the start of the year. If our senior, junior or minor sides got to provincial final the sponsorship would be topped up, the same for an All-Ireland final.”

Five of the Cork minor side will line out with the senior team in tomorrow’s Suzuki NFL final against Galway - Laura Power, Amanda Murphy, Rena Buckley, Claire Walsh and Geraldine O’Flynn. The Rebels have dominated the minor competition for the past two years and are tipped to take the All-Ireland title again this season.