'She is leaving a massive legacy': Cork GAA stalwart Ann Cooke passes away 

Long-serving Na Piarsaigh GAA club stalwart Ann Cooke has passed away, leaving a massive legacy at the northside Cork city club.

Giving many decades of outstanding service to Na Piarsaigh, she was a recognisable figure and highly regarded by GAA people and clubs across Cork city and county.

Many of the playing greats of Na Piarsaigh would have witnessed first-hand her Trojan work.

Ms Cooke was also a previous winner of The Echo Women in Sport Hall of Fame Award, picking up the accolade in 2012 for her long service to Na Piarsaigh.

She was well-known for looking after many of the hurlers and footballers of the club with half-time oranges over the years.

Speaking to The Echo, Na Piarsaigh chairperson Colin O’Sullivan described the impact that she made at the northside city club.

“When you think of Na Piarsaigh, you think of Ann Cooke.

“Everybody who would have played with the club or had any connection with the club over the years would have always had good thoughts and kind words to say about Ms Cooke.

“For me, she is leaving a massive legacy. She touched so many people,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“She did massive work for the club. Her famous oranges, that she would give out at half time during matches, are a great story for the younger generations these days.

“If you talk about Tony O’Sullivan, Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and John Gardiner, some of the greats of the club, I think that you would nearly put Ms Cooke in line with all of them, she is that strong of a personality and well thought of within the club.”

Mr O’Sullivan added: “I would say Ms Cooke was involved with Na Piarsaigh since she was a small girl.

“She was involved in everything; you name it, Ms Cooke was involved in it.

“She done so much and so much good for people in the community.

“It is hard to put in to words exactly the legacy she is after leaving.

“Anybody who has any way a connection with Na Piarsaigh over the last 40-50 years will remember Ms Cooke and will have very fond thoughts of her.”