Scally, Cott and O’Callaghan get the call

Three new players have been called up for Cork’s challenge game against UCC tonight at the Mardyke.

Coach Eamonn Ryan has called upon Éire Óg’s Elaine Scally, Castlemagner’s Aine Cott and Mourneabbey’s Máire O’Callaghan for the 6.30pm throw-in.

All three have played underage football for Cork and were among the intercounty teams honoured at the county board’s annual social on Saturday at the Silver Springs Moran Hotel.

On the night 2012 senior skipper Rena Buckley thanked Ryan and his management team, as they were presented with their All-Ireland and Munster medals.

Guests included Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Joe Kavanagh, County Mayor Cllr Barbara Murray, Munster Ladies Council secretary Marie Halvey, Cork GAA Development Officer Diarmuid Gowen, Rebel Óg secretary Jim Healy and Cork ladies football chairman Neilus Carroll.

Medal presentations were also made to the Cork U14 team who won the All-Ireland blitz and Munster titles; the U16s received their provincial and All-Ireland runners-up medals, while the minors were presented with their Munster medals. The 2013 season will officially kick off when Cork open their National League campaign away to the reigning champions Monaghan on Saturday, February 2.

Meanwhile Cork will be without star midfielder Norita Kelly for the 2013 National League campaign.

Following Cork’s seventh All-Ireland final win in eight years, the Liscarroll star opted to go travelling to South America.

Presently she is in Australia, and will move to New Zealand next week.