Retired Cork legend Brid Stack returns in surprise with Sydney Giants deal

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Retired Cork women’s soccer legend Bríd Stack has described herself as “very excited” as she prepares for a sensational return to elite sport in the AFLW.

Stack will join Mayo’s rival Cora Staunton and Donegal’s Yvonne Bonner in the Greater Western Sydney Giants after Staunton planted a seed in his mind and that of GWS head coach Al McConnell.

Stack will relocate during the AFLW season with her husband Cárthach and son Cárthach Óg, departing for Sydney in the first week of November to join his new teammates for preseason training.

She is following in the footsteps of another Corkonian Setanta Ó hAilpin, a member of the Giants’ inaugural squad when the franchise made its AFL debut in 2012.

The 34-year-old former defender had a stellar career with the Rebels in January 2019, having won 11 All-Irelands and seven All-Stars, and was named player of the year in 2016. She was player of the game in the finals of Ireland 2007 and 2013.

“Cora initially told me after I retired that it might be something to consider, but she had never given it much thought,” says Stack.

“Alan McConnell contacted me last year and I was not in a position to go as expected. We were talking again this year and we sure said we would give it a try.

“It is a wonderful opportunity, something new and very different, and a great relocation for my family, but it is something to look forward to and a great adventure ahead, hopefully.”

Stack maintained his fitness by lining up with St Val’s in club competition and working with Colm O’Shaughnessy of Elite Fitness, and has been making use of twice-weekly kicking sessions of the Sherrin oval ball with Mike Currane of AFL Ireland Womens for the last couple of months.

“It was frustrating at first, but thankfully I’m getting used to it. You are learning a new set of skills, but I love a challenge and am very excited. I’m going to go out there and do my best and enjoy it.

“The opportunity to play professional football doesn’t come around too often and I know how lucky I am to get it now, when I couldn’t wait for it and when circumstances like the work at Cárthach allow us to go on an adventure. as a family.

“I am a bit older, probably over 10 years with some of the girls who are going through, but I hope to use my strength and experience as much as possible. I have been training hard for the last time. I’m going to give him a merciless blow and we’ll see how it goes.



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