You wouldn’t blame the world of women’s GAA for having mixed feelings on the retirement of Valerie Mulcahy.
On the one hand it is a shame to see one of ladies football’s greatest ambassadors call it a day, but the flip side is some others might get to win something now.
The Cork legend retired Monday to much acclaim and SportsJOE caught up with one of her county women and a young rival at Croke Park to get their reaction to the 33 year old hanging up her boots.
Cork camogie captain Ashling Thompson grew up idolising Mulcahy, who was easily the most recognisable female athlete in the Rebel county.
“She was an inspiration. She was the one person you would always hear about, or hear your Mam talking about, ‘Oh look, there’s Valerie Mulcahy’.
“An outstanding player, she was always the big name for me and someone I looked up to. I think she has 10 All-Ireland championships, 10 All-Ireland Leagues and 10 Munsters, so yeah, just a fantastic all round athlete and it is sad to see her leave.”
Despite all that she has won over the course of her celebrated career Thompson – herself a multiple All-Ireland winner with Cork and her club Milford – believes Mulcahy may already be questioing her decision.
“It’s a lot to ask for and a 10-15 year career is a long, long time playing. I think women as well do give so much to it. For me, camogie is my life and I will definitely keep going until the day I can’t and that is the view and opinion of every ladies footballer or camogie player out there.
“It’s hard to keep it going but at the same time I would say Valerie is second guessing herself already.”
Mulcahy made headlines away from the field too. An executive member of the Women’s Gaelic Players’ Association (WGPA), the PE teacher has also been open about her sexuality.
Last summer she married her partner of six years, Meg Blyth, a month after the marriage equality referendum. Mulcahy’s courage helped Thompson to open up about her own battles with depression.
“Of course. It is extremely hard for people to come out and talk about personal issues, be it sexuality or mental health or anything at all, so I have huge respect for her,” said Thompson.
“Especially when people see things as a taboo subject. that is pretty frustrating. Obviously she is putting herself up on that platform, the same way I am putting myself up on a platform to let everyone else know it is alright to talk about it and it is okay to express your feelings.”
As Mulcahy’s career comes to an end, so Aimee Mackin’s is just getting underway. The teenage Armagh sensation travelled to San Diego with the Cork icon after being selected as an All Star in her first season as a senior intercounty player.
“I definitely looked up to her. Her and the likes of [Armagh dual star] Caroline O’Hanlon as well I would look up to. It is a sad day for the sport but I am sure she will enjoy her retirement.
“She’s been at it long enough and I suppose she has won everything you can win and if anyone was to follow in her footsteps it would be exceptional,” said Mackin.
“It was great getting to know her in San Diego. I would have just known her from the pitch but getting to know her personally, as well as the other girls, was brilliant.”
Farewell to Mulcahy, so, who seems to have successfully walked that tightrope between serial success and popularity with her peers.
Ashling Thompson and Aimee Mackin were speaking at the launch of Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps 2016. For more information parents should visit here.
