It would be remiss not to remark upon the news yesterday that Cora Staunton has announced her retirement from the AFLW, having played six seasons Down Under with Sydney club GWS Giants.
When she left for Australia in 2017, Cora had already done more than enough in her LGFA career to seal her status as a legend of the fast-developing game here. Four All-Ireland medals, three National League medals and eleven All-Stars were complemented by county and All-Ireland honours with her club Carnacon.
In Australia she took up where she left off here, blazing an impressive trail in the process. She was the first international player to line out in the nascent AFLW and in her six seasons with the club she appeared 50 times, becoming the first Giants player to hit that landmark. In four of those six seasons, she was the top goalscorer for the Giants, bagging a total of 55 goals. (Stats from the Irish Times – here.)
Cora’s success paved the way for several LGFA players to make the switch to the professional game Down Under, including a number from Mayo. Our loss has, in this respect, definitely been the AFLW’s gain.
Back in Ireland again, Cora is now involved in a coaching role with the Galway camogie team but, in this piece on the RTÉ website, she says she plans to “still tip away and play with Carnacon”. She’s not finished yet, you know.
The best of luck to Cora as she embarks on the next phase of what’s already been, in so many ways, a remarkable sporting career.
Well said @WJ. A legend. And far from finished.
She’s been an absolutely incredible ambassador for every sport she has represented.The word legend is overused but sometimes that’s the only word that will suffice. IMO She will be an incredible manager and who knows whether that will be in women’s or men’s football or other.
The best footballer Mayo has ever produced and I dont say that lightly right up there with Lee Keegan and all the 51 team
Unbelievable player and story.
In GAA there’s always a debate about who was/is the best player of all time whereas in the women’s game there’s no debate,only the name Cora.
Arguably the best Mayo footballer full stop of all time.
The fact that she started Aussie rules in her mid thirties and went on to become one of the most successful players in the history of the new semi pro era just adds to the legend.
A true Mayo and Ireland great.
I’m so proud of Cora and all she has achieved. She’s an amazing, inspiring, talented and brilliant footballer and she has always made this Mayo heart beat with pride and passion.
Well done Cora and thank you for all that you have given us to enjoy and celebrate.
Very best wishes for the years ahead.
Maigheo abu
Cora go deo.
Has there ever been a better all-round female athlete? Won four All-Irelands with Mayo, a couple of FAI cups in soccer, played pro Aussie rules with distinction and even scored seven tries on her rugby union debut!
Best of luck to Cora in her (partial) retirement.
Cora is also very good on TV as an analyst and could well make it in management.
Well that is a good question…could she be persuaded to give Mayo another crack…she is such an amazing athlete…it would change the complexion of this Mayo team and bring them right into the contender bracket.
Time will tell…
Maigheo agus Cora!!