EMMA Cleary will captain the Cork ladies football team this season.

The experienced Éire Óg footballer (25) helped her club win the county senior championship in 2025 and takes over the captain’s armband from Sarah Leahy, who has stepped away from the county set-up.

‘Our captain is Emma Cleary, and our two vice-captains are Shauna Kelly and Melissa Duggan,’ Cork boss Joe Carroll confirmed to The Southern Star.

‘Emma had a very good county championship with Éire Óg and they finished it off brilliantly to win the county. She has been very impressive for us, brings hard work, commitment, leads by example, and sets the standard by her dedication.’

Cork open their Lidl NFL Division 1 campaign at home to Kildare in MTU on Sunday, January 25th.