VIDEO: ‘It’s hard to keep it going but at the same time I would say Valerie is second guessing herself already’

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. 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. Farewell to Mulcahy, so, who seems to have successfully walked that tightrope between serial success and popularity with her peers.