Search icon

Life

20th Aug 2014

INTERVIEW: Geraldine O’Flynn of The Cork Ladies Gaelic Football Team

We sat down with Geraldine O’Flynn to chat about what it would mean to her to make it to another final.

Rebecca McKnight

On Saturday champions Cork eased into the semi-finals of the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship after beating Mayo by nine points.

Ahead of the game we sat down with Geraldine O’Flynn, who made her debut with the Cork seniors at the age of 16, to chat about what it would mean to her to make it to another final.

                                                                 

Here’s what she had to say about…

The All Ireland Final

It’s different from last year when we lost and had to go through the back door but things are a little bit more settled this year and we had a great week in the championship. Our focus is definitely getting to Croke Park at the end of September and you know it’s where we want to be as footballers and I think there’s still a huge challenge ahead of us but we’re really focused on that.

Winning

This team in particular hasn’t really been dwelling too much on our success so there’s not many airs and graces about players and I think that’s what spurns us on each year. When we look back on our footballing careers we’ll be very happy but at the moment it’s just playing another match and trying to get to another final.

Her Career

I suppose it is a bit of a whirlwind to think that so many years have passed but I don’t think any of us could have dreamt this. We’ve been very lucky with our manager who has stuck with us and instilled a great sense of belief in all of us. I think a great bunch of players came on at the same time and that helps a lot.

Getting Involved

I suppose we’re all trying to get promotion and get people involved so the more girls and ladies that do get involved, the better it will be. I suppose we’re just trying to encourage people to look at the sport on the basis of the football skills and we feel that at our matches the displays are very good and that might encourage people to come and watch the game and take part.

Finding a Balance 

As I’m a teacher, the summer months are great because we have so much time off. It’s like any other occupation but we just enjoy it and no matter what you do, you always make time for the sports and hobbies that you love and enjoy. We just love being out playing and enjoying the sport.

Her Career Highlight

I’d have to say my first All Ireland at Croke Park. It’s one that you definitely remember. Another moment was when we lost in 2010 in the quarters and then came back and to win in 2011. That was a huge thing for us because it proved that we could still do it and we were still good enough to win. I think every All Ireland has something special about it but those two stand out for me.

Briege Corkery, Valerie Mulcahy, Brid Stack, Orla Finn and Geraldine O'Flynn 13/8/2014

SuperValu are the proud sponsors of the Cork Ladies Gaelic Football Team. Jerseys will be on sale in Cork SuperValu stores throughout the season.

Topics:

interview,sports