Cork’s Melissa Duggan is The Croke Park Hotel/LGFA Player of the Month for April

Cork’s Melissa Duggan has been honoured with The Croke Park Hotel/LGFA Player of the Month award for April 2026.

The vastly experienced defender was a key cog in the Cork wheel as the Leesiders landed the Lidl National League Division 1 title with victory over Galway at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Saturday, April 11.

That win capped a remarkable first season back in the top flight for Cork, who were relegated in 2024 before bouncing back at the first attempt.

Melissa’s performance against Galway earned her the Player of the Match award, and this was well-deserved recognition for the 29-year-old Dohenys player.

Melissa has been a standout inter-county performer in the elite inter-county grade since making her debut in 2017, and the 2019 TG4 All-Star continues to produce the goods on a consistent basis.

Speaking after the league final, Melissa said they were disappointed in their showing in the first half but delighted to win in the end.

“We were very disappointed going in at half-time, like only having two points on the board.

“I know we were against the wind, but we still felt like we didn't play to our full potential that we had in the league.

“So, you know, there was, I suppose, a regrouping at half-time and we just knew if we were anywhere near them in the last 15 minutes, that our fitness levels would stand to us.

“We know Galway are a serious outfit, they have pace to burn, their forwards are excellent. We knew that it was going to be a tough challenge, but we knew going in at half-time that we were still in the game, and I think that's what mattered.

“We're a team now that will never give up. We are kind of resilient, we've had a lot of hard losses throughout the years, especially with this group.

“We just knew that if we kept the game close, we could hopefully try and turn it around.

“I'm delighted just for this group of girls. You know, we haven't won a trophy in a long time, and I'm just delighted for the support and our families because they've stuck with us, especially through the hard times.”

Melissa was presented with her award by Ina Lazar, Assistant Director of Sales, The Croke Park Hotel.