Cork camogie legend Gemma O'Connor has confirmed her retirement from the inter-county game.
The St. Finbarr's clubwoman leaves the Cork set-up having won an incredible nine All Ireland medals, and a record 11 Camogie All Stars.
O'Connor won the first of her All Ireland medals in her debut years of 2002, and would captain the side in 2007.
In confirming her retirement to the Echo, she said,"It was a tough decision. I never even want to say the words that I’m not going back or I’m retiring.
Congrats @blues4reds on an unreal career. Giving everything for your county for so many years 👏🏻👏🏻 looking forward to reminiscing great days. A true warrior 💪🏻 🍻😁 @NiAoife enjoy the next chapter 😊 https://t.co/iD6wZuUV2Q
— Briege Corkery (@corkery5) February 23, 2021
"I never envisaged myself saying it but I suppose the last year has been hard in that respect. It was coming.
"I’m getting married on the 10th of July and obviously that’s a priority. But really I said to myself, what am I waiting for?
"I think I’ve spent so many years in the last five years, I suppose over all of my career, doubling, tripling, quadrupling jobbing and it just got a bit too hectic and I just thought look I need to ultimately make the decision and go with it.
"I’ve had a wonderful career; I’ve played with magnificent players and had some wonderful managers.
"I’ve had a great relationship with Paudie Murray over the past number of years and we’ve had some tremendous wins."
Former teammate Briege Corkery was among those leading the tributes to O'Connor, saying, "Congrats on an unreal career. Giving everything for your county for so many years.
"Looking forward to reminiscing great days. A true warrior."
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