SHE WON HER eighth All-Ireland senior camogie title with Cork in September, but veteran goalkeeper Aoife Murray has no decisions made on her inter-county future yet.
A stoppage-time winner helped Cork win the O’Duffy Cup back from Kilkenny in Croke Park, while Murray kept a clean sheet between the posts.
In a year where the Rebels also reached the league final, 34-year-old Murray was rewarded for her efforts with a remarkable seventh All-Star award.
Today, the Cloughduv star was back at GAA HQ to help launch the first-ever Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Star Tour, as they head for Madrid next week.
Murray told the media that she is still mulling over her future in the Cork jersey, and admitted that she has no decision made with regards the 2018 season.
“A few people are beginning to ask me that question,” she said.
“It’s always a lot harder of a decision to make when you win because obviously you’re feeling more positive and you think, ‘Ah yeah, I could do this for another year’. But I am 34, I’m kind of pushing on.
“Apparently there’s other things outside of camogie as well, people keep telling me about,” she smiles. “A summer holiday — it’s something people have told me about!
“But I do have a decision to make. I’m certainly not going to make it right now.”
Back in 2015, Murray stepped away from the inter-county game in the aftermath of their All-Ireland final win over Galway.
But the following May, she returned. She came out of retirement to rejoin the Cork squad in their bid for three-in-a-row.
That year, Cork were beaten to the All-Ireland senior title as Anne Downey’s Kilkenny side ended a long wait to lift the O’Duffy Cup.
But after regaining the title, it’s set to spend another winter on Leeside.
Murray won All-Ireland senior medals in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2017, and her personal displays saw her claim All-Star awards in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017.
Her brother, Paudie Murray, guided Cork to All-Ireland glory in September — following up the title wins he had overseen in 2014 and 2015.
Ahead of the 2016 season, Murray had held off on sharing his plans but confirmed that January that he would remain at the helm in a quest for three in-a-row.
Asked whether her brother is on board for 2018, Murray said she was unsure.
“I’ve no idea, genuinely,” she continued.
“Sure I didn’t even know he was going to Madrid (to manage on the All-Star tour) until Saturday! Great communication in our house.
“I’ve no idea, to be honest. If he is, fantastic, and if he’s not, I’m sure he’ll be leaving it in a pretty good place.”
But for now, Murray is enjoying the break, regardless of that decision that she knows she needs to make.
“It’s a really busy time of year. You can’t get your hands on the cup, it’s got the best social life you’ve ever seen! I really am enjoying the break, maybe a bit too much!”
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