THE SHORTLIST FOR RTÉ Sports Person of the Year is packed with worthy contenders.
Emma Duffy endorses the claims of 11-time All-Ireland champion and TG4/LGFA senior Player of the Year Bríd Stack.
CORK HAVE BEEN unstoppable when it comes to Ladies football for as long as most people remember, winning 11 All-Ireland titles in the past 12 years. This year was their sixth in a row.
Remarkably, full-back Bríd Stack has played every minute of the 11 triumphs, and has been a central part to their every success over the years.
She’s won seven All-Stars in the Cork jersey – her most recent this year – along with being named the 2016 senior Player of the Year.
And deservedly so. Stack was immense in this year’s All-Ireland final. She was rock solid at full-back, exerting a big influence on the game. Stack marked fellow Player of the Year nominee and Dublin star Sinead Ahearne to within an inch, only allowing her two inevitable points from play.
Not only has she shone in Croke Park, she was pivotal throughout the year too. Stack has always been a driving force from full-back for her side, reliable as ever.
She was named player of the match and scored two points from the full-back line in their All-Ireland quarter-final against Cavan. She kept Monaghan’s nifty full-forward line at bay in the semi-final.
Earlier in the summer, she stood out in their Munster final win over Kerry. Having scored seven points against the Rebels in the second round of the championship, Louise Ní Mhuirceartaigh managed just a single point in the final, as Stack monitored her closely.
She kept Cora Staunton much quieter than usual as Cork won their fourth successive Lidl Ladies National League Division 1 title in May.
Stack is not only a master in defence – tackling, hounding and blocking – but she also knows a thing or two about getting up the field and getting her name on the scoresheet.
Not only does she have raw talent and ability, Stack’s incredible work rate and commitment to her county must be recognised, hence she is beyond deserving of this award.
2016 senior Player of the Year. Seven All-Stars. 11 All-Ireland titles in 12 years. And she’s been on the pitch and a central part to each and every one of those.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
