Emma Cleary lands Echo Women in Sport award after leading the way in Cork's league success

Cork ladies football captain Emma Cleary has been honoured with The Echo Women in Sport monthly award for April, recognition that underlines both her personal impact and Cork’s remarkable resurgence this season.

Cleary’s leadership was pivotal as Cork claimed the Lidl National Ladies Football League Division 1 title, defeating Galway in the final at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

In their first season back in the top flight following promotion from Division 2, both sides had already defied expectations to reach the decider.

But it was Emma and her teammates who finished strongest, digging deep when it mattered most to bring the trophy back to Leeside.

Operating from half-forward, Emma is widely regarded as one of the hardest-working players in the game. Her role stretches far beyond scoring and assisting — she is equally as comfortable tracking back in defence, linking play through the middle, and driving Cork forward when the game demands it.

That tireless work ethic was on full display throughout the league campaign and especially in the final, where Cork came from behind to overturn Galway in a gripping contest.

For Emma, the award represents another significant milestone in a journey that began at a very young age. Growing up, she was introduced to football through Éire Óg, where she followed her older sister Laura through the ranks.

“I was only about five when I started,” Emma said. “My sister was already involved, so I suppose I just followed along. Football was always a huge part of our family.”

ROLE MODEL

That family influence has been central to her development. Her father, John, now manager of the Cork senior men’s team, is a well-known figure in GAA circles from his days with Castlehaven and Cork.

Meanwhile, her aunt, Nollaig Cleary, was part of Cork’s golden era in ladies football, collecting nine All-Ireland medals along the way.

“I remember going up to Croke Park to watch that team when I was very young,” Emma said. “To see my aunt involved and winning All-Irelands was incredible. That sparked my love for the game.”

While there was success at underage level with Éire Óg, Emma’s club journey was also defined by perseverance. The Ovens side endured a series of near misses at senior level before finally breaking through last year to win their first Cork Senior Ladies Football Championship title in their fifth consecutive final appearance.

“It was a long time coming,” she admitted. 

We lost finals, went through replays, lost in free-kicks one year. But when you go through that, it makes the win special.”

That resilience has carried into her inter-county career. Emma first became involved with Cork at underage level. Success was not immediate, but a breakthrough arrived at minor level — coached, fittingly, by her father.

Her senior debut came in 2019, just before the disruption of the Covid pandemic. The following year brought one of the strangest experiences of her career: an All-Ireland final played in an empty Croke Park on December 20.

“It was surreal,” she recalled. “Driving up separately, playing in front of no crowd, it’s something we’ll probably never see again. But at the time, sport was a big outlet for everyone.”

RESILIENT

Since then, Cleary has grown into a leadership role within the Cork squad, and her appointment as captain this year has coincided with a significant upturn in fortunes. After promotion, Cork’s primary aim was survival in Division 1.

A draw against Kildare in the opening round served as an early reminder of the standard required, but Cork improved steadily as the campaign progressed. A standout performance against Kerry signalled their potential.

That was never more evident than in the league final itself. Facing into a strong wind in the first half, Cork trailed by five points at the break. But they battled back in the second period, gradually closing the gap before two late goals, one from Katie Quirke and another via a Galway own goal, sealed a 2-8 to 0-9 victory.

“There were times it looked like it mightn’t go our way,” Cleary admitted. “But we just kept at it. That’s something we showed all through the league, we stuck with it and got our reward.”

For Emma, lifting the trophy as captain was a moment of immense pride, not just for herself, but for a group that has worked relentlessly to re-establish Cork at the top level.

“Winning a national title makes all the sacrifices worth it,” she said. “Training in bad weather, putting your life on hold around it, it’s all for days like that.”

Emma credits her team-mates and the camaraderie within the squad as key to her enjoyment of the game.

You’re training with your best friends a few nights a week. What else would you be doing?”

As Cork now turn their attention to the All-Ireland series, Emma is aware of the challenges ahead. With no easy draws at this level, the focus is firmly on continuous improvement.

“Every game is tough in the championship,” Emma said. “We’ll just focus on ourselves and be ready for whoever we face.”

For now, though, Cleary can reflect on a season of progress for Cork, knowing they have surpassed the expectations of many by winning the league title.