Cork dual star Looney frustrated with forced choice of code

Another weekend brings yet another fixture clash between the Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association that is causing headaches for some of the country’s dual stars.

This Saturday afternoon, Cork face Clare in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship at Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 2pm, an hour before the Rebels meet Mayo in do-or-die clash in Castlebar in the All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football Championship.

Given that Cork are top of Group 1 in camogie with two wins out of two and are bottom of Group 2 in football, although a win at McHale Park would see them leapfrog their opponents, Looney has decided to provide the Rebel football management with her services.

But yet again, similar to her fellow dual stars, she is hugely “frustrated” at having to choose between the two codes she loves.

“It's really disappointing,” began Looney.

“I feel like when I first started playing dual almost ten years ago now, it felt like, in general from society and from the organisation, that we were a lot more valued and a lot more respected.

“Whereas now in recent years it feels like it's more a nuisance to everyone, which is really, really disappointing when we're still trying so hard to keep it alive down in Cork.

“But here we are again and there's no even desire from anyone or anything. It's just kind of washed away to the side. It’s like ‘what more can we do to just totally eradicate the dual players?’ “It is frustrating for us as players. I will be in Castlebar with the footballers. It is a do or die game for us.

“The other girls, Aoife Healy will be the same. Whereas Libby (Coppinger) will be going to camogie, which is going to be a huge loss for us in football.

“You'd hope maybe when integration comes along, and you have one fixtures committee that this can be resolved.

“I used to have a bit of sympathy for the associations because of the split season and there is a lot of games to get through.

“But when there's three weekends to play two matches and playing on the other two weekends would avoid a clash, it's just like, it's total disrespect. You just don't feel valued at all.” Looney’s partner Aoibhín Cleary will soon be leaving the Meath footballers to join Australian Football League Women’s side Richmond and given her current frustrations with the powers that be, the Cork native hasn’t ruled out making a similar move.

“It's definitely been on my mind for a couple of years,” admits Looney.

“I suppose there is an itch there to go out and see what it's all about. But what really pulls me back is just the journey that we're on in Cork camogie at the moment.

“It's a childhood dream to win the All-Ireland. And if that can keep going, it'd be hard to step away from that. But look, we'll see. We'll see what the future. I wouldn't rule it out.

“I’m definitely interested in exploring an opportunity at some stage. And it'll be great to follow Aoibhín along and see how she gets on.”

Hannah Looney was speaking at the launch of a new limited edition tote bag which forms part of SuperValu’s #CommunityIncludesEveryoune campaign.

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