Meabh takes February sports award
It may be a coincidence but in the 23rd year of the Sports Star awards, UCC camogie team finally ended a 23 year wait for another Ashbourne Cup.
In recognition of this, outstanding defender Meabh Murphy is the February winner of the 96FM/C013 Rochestown Park Hotel Sports Star award.
Meabh was excellent throughout the campaign that had many twists and turns including a 1st round loss and a long trip to Galway only for the game to be postponed.
“Yes it was fairly eventful alright but look we got there in the end and after losing a few finals, 3 in fact, it was great to get over the line,” she said.
The Ashbourne is a very special competition and all teams give it their best during a hectic few months. “We train hard for a long period in the build up and like the Fitzgibbon (hurling) and Sigerson (football), it’s a medal you will cherish.”
Meabh who plays her club camogie with Ballinora had special words for UCC GAA Development Officer John Grainger. “John does great work for all teams in the college and we are delighted that he finally completed the set as the Ashbourne was the one title that he had not won, so he can relax now.”
While the Ashbourne was exciting, it’s been a tough few weeks for the Cork senior camogie team, but Meabh is confident they will bounce back. “We have had a few injuries and players retiring but there’s a long way to go in the season and I’m sure we can and know we will be better.”
She also becomes the first player from her club Ballinora to win the award.
Noel O’Callaghan, Vice-Chairman Cork County Board congratulated Meabh on the award and also UCC on the the work they do in promoting the games and also thanked 96FM/C103 and the Rochestown Park Hotel on the promotion of these awards and their ongoing support for Cork GAA.
Isabel Keane of 96FM and Steve Cox of RPH congratulated Meabh on her award and wished her continued success in the season ahead.
Meabh’s family were in attendance along with teammates Niamh Mac Nabola, Aoife Healy, Meabh De Burca, Orlaith Cremin and Meabh Ring along with John Grainger of UCC. Cork camogie manager Ger Manley, Board Chairman Padraig Treacy and County GAA Board Officer Francis Kenneally were also in attendance.