The Rebel County...

Due South today to have a cuppa and a chat with Christina O'Leary, fiancee of Cork goalie Alan Quirke. Christina is the epitome of tolerance! Not only is Alan training for club and county (like the rest of them) but as he's a member of the defence forces, he's also away a lot with work. The couple recently got engaged and are planning to get married next year.

As I'm shown into their stylish Turner's Cross pad, the pair of them have one eye on me and one eye on the Armagh/Fermanagh Ulster Championship clash. I feel a bit bad dragging Christina away from it as she exclaims "did you see that ball Alan....". As we set up for the interview, Alan skulks upstairs to watch the rest.

Christina, like Sarah up in Donegal, would never wear a jersey but is at all the games. She used to play a bit of football herself as a child and admits openly that she loves it. She tells me all about the good times; All-Ireland medals, winning team holidays, and the bad times; All-Ireland runners up and the stick the lads have to take. She reckons its especially difficult for the goalies...