It was another night of dominance for the Cork ladies team with six of their nominees collecting All-Star awards, a fitting tribute to their 10 All-Ireland titles in 11 seasons.
Dublin followed closely behind with four gongs, while goalkeeper Linda Martin and Cora Courtney both represented Monaghan. But for the 10th time in over 20 years of playing inter-county football, Mayo's Cora Staunton proved her class and quality in the 2015 championship to earn a berth on the All-Star shortlist. Mayo did not succeed at provincial or All-Ireland level this year, but despite the team's lack of silverware, Staunton's distinguished individual brilliance was still apparent.
Speaking to Newsalk's Oisin Langan after the awards ceremony last night, the Staunton said:
'It's a lovely recognition. When you're playing you don't really be counting them. When you retire you can look back and see what you achieved.'
But the Carnacon woman, who can comfortably influence the pace of a game whether she's operating in the full-forward line or the half-forward line, revealed that she is in unusual territory this year. Ordinarily, Carnacon would be still contesting club titles at this stage of this season, meaning that Staunton is well fortified in time for inter-county duty when the pre-season slog rolls around in January.
But after losing out two weeks ago with the club, Cora has more time to consider her future and assess whether she has the drive to go back for a 22nd season with Mayo next year.
She is now most decorated All Star ever along with Mary Jo Curran @MayoLadiesGAA star Cora Staunton makes it 10! pic.twitter.com/FQUnaGURZg
— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) November 14, 2015
'We're normally coming off an extended cub season but this year I have a month or two to decide. I'll see what the story is with management in January or February and see how the body is and if I have the drive to go back. It's an addiction and it's very hard to let go and say ''step away it's the time.'' Whether it's now or next year, I haven't made any decision.'
Meanwhile, Briege Corkery was nominated the Senior Player's Player of the year, an award which sits neatly alongside her ninth All-Star for Cork. Oisin Langan asked Corkery if the time constraints and tiring nature of the dual sports career, entitles her to spend less time training so she can focus her energies on playing matches.
Corkery said she attends as many training sessions as possible and often has to be instructed to sit some out when coaches spot any fatigue.
'Sometimes I argue with them and sometimes I agree. I don't like being pulled out of training but sometimes you have to be and your body knows when you have to be. Myself and Rena Buckley have been playing both sports since we were very young so we've just grown up with it.'
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