Victory dulls the pain for heroic captain O’Shea

TALK about bittersweet.

Amy O’Shea walks into the interview room under the Hogan Stand and stands up while fielding questions. She stands because the brace on her leg is wrapped so tight that she can’t bend her knee to sit down and so she leans on her newly acquired crutches.

What would be a heartbreaking scene under any circumstances is added extra pathos by the knowledge that the Cork captain has suffered cruciate ligament injuries before – one on each leg — and spent a total of 21 months on the sideline because of them.

There were 37 minutes gone when she jumped up in an attempt to fist the ball into the Monaghan net but the wheels came off for her on landing. The inevitable query is voiced hesitantly and the answer confirms everyone’s worst fears.

“Suspected cruciate,” she reveals almost matter-of-factly.

“Look, today I feel nothing. Lifting that cup... every pain and ache...decisions will be made, I don’t know if it’s cruciate or not. Obviously I heard the crack, I came up, I came down. I was in a fair bit of pain. I thought I could play on. I’ll enjoy the celebrations.

“I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it maybe Wednesday or Thursday. I’ll decide to get a scan.

“I suppose the biggest kick in the backside is the county final is next week and that puts a doubt on me. Arra, we’ll enjoy today.”

She was entitled to. They all were. A sixth All-Ireland title in seven years says all that is required about this bunch of athletes who, like Kilkenny and all the best teams, used the pain of defeat – to Tyrone last year – to spur them on to greater heights.

Monaghan never made it easy for them. Cork have drowned the hopes of many a team this past six years by scoring goals but the Ulster side dragged themselves back from two such concessions to keep the contest alive and kicking until the last.

“Yeah, I actually think I said two rosaries when I came off and it was nothing related to my knee,” said O’Shea.

“I was absolutely praying and really, to be honest with you, I’ve always said it to you, the panel is unbelievably strong and unified.”

O’Shea wrapped it up with a glowing tribute to coach Eamon Ryan who stood patiently nearby waiting for his turn before the dictaphones. On board for every one of their successes since 2005, will he be back to chase title number seven next year?

” Seven? I’m seventy this year. I’m gone it. I’ll see. It’s very hard to walk away. People say ‘you’re an eejit doing it’ but what else would you be doing? Watching Prime Time or something?

“I love hurling and football so I might as well be at it.

“Others play golf or go on cruises. I go on an auld holiday but I love this. It is a county board decision but I will see.”