Cora Staunton
Cora Staunton, Broadcaster and Sports Star
Cora Staunton is one of the greatest athletes Ireland has ever produced, a cross-code pioneer whose career has spanned almost three decades and four sports. A native of Carnacon, County Mayo, she has redefined what is possible in women's sport at home and on the world stage.
In Ladies Gaelic football she enjoyed a hugely successful career, winning numerous All-Irelands with both Mayo and her club Carnacon. Her individual recognition stands alone: she has won 11 All Stars, a record that still stands today.
Her versatility extended well beyond the GAA. She played high-level soccer and rugby, winning numerous titles at local and national level. She lifted the Senior Cup with Mayo FC and represented them in Europe, and won two FAI Intermediate Cups in soccer with Ballyglass FC and Knock/Kiltimagh FC.
In 2017 Staunton broke new ground when she became the first Irish player to join the AFLW, signing for the GWS Giants, with 46 women now playing in the league. She did not merely participate, she dominated, becoming a household name Down Under and breaking many records, including becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals.
Her resilience became part of the legend. After a severe leg break in late 2019 threatened to end her career, she fought back to be ready for round one of the following season and became the oldest player ever to take the field in AFLW history, finishing as the Giants' all-time leading goal kicker and games record holder.
Off the pitch, Staunton remains a leading voice in the game. She is a board member of the Gaelic Players Association, where she currently holds the role of Vice-President and advocates strongly on player welfare.
She is currently working with RTÉ as a pundit for the GAA championship, and serves as Head Coach with Ballina Stephenites' Senior Men's Football team, who won their third Mayo Senior Club Championship in a row in October. Her move into the men's game marks another barrier broken in a career defined by firsts.
From a 13-year-old debutant to a record-breaking professional and respected coach, Cora Staunton has changed the landscape of Irish and international sport for generations of women to come.