Corkery thrilled by ‘incredible honour’

Cork ladies football captain Briege Corkery believes the incredible comeback against Dublin in the All-Ireland final helped the general public to really appreciate the character of the team.

On Sunday night, the Rebels — who have won the Brendan Martin Cup for nine of the past 10 years — won the team prize at the annual RTÉ Sports Awards.

It was the only award decided by a public vote and Corkery is delighted Eamonn Ryan’s side are finally getting widespread credit.

“It was great to be honoured when it was decided by the public,” she said.

“You’re going up against all these great teams like the Ireland rugby team, Kilkenny hurlers, Kerry footballers and Dundalk, who’d have had more publicity than us.

“To finish ahead of them and win it is just incredible, I think this year’s final really showed people what we’re about.”

Corkery admits, however, she was slightly surprised with the win.

“When we found out first, we absolutely couldn’t get over it,” she said.

“It was great for all the girls, not just those of us who were there, and obviously Eamonn too, of course. It’s super to finally be recognised.

“I didn’t know what to do when they called it out that we had won. I just followed Nollaig [Cleary] up, I said it’d be best to let the elderly lead us!”

In a radio interview yesterday morning, Corkery referred to a favourite dictum of Ryan’s, that the players ensure that they have “small heads and small arses”, referring to humility and fitness.

It remains as relevant as ever as they face into 2015.

“It’s a quote of his that he used back at the very start,” she explained, “and he brings it up from time to time.

“We’ve always tried to remain grounded and that has been a big factor in getting to where we are.

“We’ll enjoy Christmas and then regroup again in mid-January. I don’t know yet if anybody’s leaving but hopefully nobody will.”