A trailblazer. A winner. A legend.
Valerie Mulcahy has hung up her inter-county boots and she rides off into the Cork sunset with unanimous well-wishes and appreciation.
The silky Rockbán attacker called time on her Rebel career after an unprecedented 10 All-Ireland titles in a 15-year stint that inspired the nation. A stint that changed the face of the game. A stint that redefined success.
“My motivation isn’t where it used to be, and I knew going into last year’s All-Ireland final that it would be my last,” Mulcahy broke the news no-one wanted to hear to Mary White. “I savoured that moment and stayed on the pitch for as long as I could because I knew I’d never be back there like that again.
“The time is right.”
Having amassed over 30 titles in the red jersey and been crowned player of the match in three All-Ireland finals, the renowned forward bows out at the very top after one of the most influential on-field careers of all time.
Off the field, Mulcahy has played a key role as an executive member of the Women’s Gaelic Players’ Association and her role model qualities on this island stretched even farther when she married Meg Blyth after the same sex marriage referendum passed.
https://twitter.com/valeriemulcahy/status/614631285747748864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The 33-year-old will continue to be a source of inspiration to Irish people but now that her county playing days are behind her, football is a lesser place.
But, if Niamh Briggs has anything to do with it, it could be rugby’s gain.
Congrats on an outstanding career @valeriemulcahy took game to a new level!! Time now for ya to get an oval ball into ur hands 😜😜🏉 #iconic
— Niamh Briggs (@niamhbriggs15) April 11, 2016
Everyone lined up to salute a legend though. Thanks for the memories, Valerie.
https://twitter.com/jburns834/status/719607272360583168
Can't believe @valeriemulcahy has retired! Form is temporary, class is permanent #baller #talent #lgfa #rolemodel pic.twitter.com/eYjdvj401F
— Ellie O Gorman (@ogormanellie) April 11, 2016
Best of luck @valeriemulcahy in your retirement. Thanks for all your have given @LadiesFootball @CorkLGFA #Legend pic.twitter.com/AVZiuODyNy
— Lisgoold Ladies Football & Camogie Club (@LisgooldLadies) April 11, 2016
End of an era as this great retires, a classy Footballer & fantastic ambassador! Enjoy retirement @valeriemulcahy, you sure deserve it!
— Lisa Lawlor (@Lisa_Lawlor) April 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/magsdarcy/status/719610547965136896
@valeriemulcahy She was something special and she is something special. Thanks for being a contender #GAA
— SlickerVideo 📼 (@SlickerVideo) April 11, 2016
I have to say I just loved the swagger, style & resilience of @valeriemulcahy. The goals she scored v Kerry last summer were just unreal!
— Éamonn Murphy (@EamonnMurphy19) April 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/ElaineBucko/status/719597368472113152
https://twitter.com/Antcon7062/status/719595586442424320
A true legend of the game bows out – all the best to @valeriemulcahy in her retirement @CorkLGFA @WomensGPA pic.twitter.com/ZoZGxi1sNz
— Special Olympics Ireland (@SOIreland) April 11, 2016
A lot of corner backs gonna sleep soundly tonight with the news that @valeriemulcahy has retired 😢 sound Val 👍🏻 #rebelsabú 🔴⚪️
— Eoin O’ Súilleabháin (@eoinpom) April 11, 2016
A gifted footballer, who played a HUGE part in @CorkLGFA success. Thanks for the memories @valeriemulcahy ! #corkgaa https://t.co/1zUFY3diJo
— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) April 11, 2016
Just some of the many, MANY highlights in @LadiesFootball courtesy of @valeriemulcahy over the years #Legend https://t.co/9m0P7JhsZ4
— Mary McGuire (@MaryMcGuire7) April 11, 2016
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