Q&A with Colette Desmond

Talented Newcestown forward Colette Desmond won a Cork intermediate camogie title and got married within two weeks in October, and she’s hoping to fit her honeymoon in this year. 

Over to you, Fintan...

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Q. If you could relive one sporting moment from the past year, what would it be and why? The final whistle at the end of the county intermediate camogie final. Having missed out on the junior county celebrations in 2015 as I was in Vietnam travelling, this was my first adult county win. The team coming back after being eight points down and having my sister Rose on the pitch, back from retirement, made the win even sweeter. 

Q. Picture this: Donald Trump has relocated to West Cork – fake tan, quiff and all – and he is interested in the local sports scene, what sport do you think would best suit the American President?  Rowing, the O’Donovan brothers could teach Trump how to pull like a dog! Not sure how long the fake tan will last in the Skibbereen water though....

Q. What will you miss most about 2017? Wedding planning! Juggling training with menu tastings, table plan decisions and dress fittings was challenging but exciting. The cup was a welcome late addition to the guest list and stole the show on the dance floor on the night! 

Q. Who do you think is West Cork’s biggest sports star? Jenny O’Leary. She may be living in Armagh now but she’ll always be West Cork and Barryroe’s star. I’m very fortunate to have played alongside her. Her skill, passion, and commitment to camogie is admirable. 

Q. Outside of your sport, what sporting moment from 2017 captured your imagination?  Cork winning the Munster senior hurling title. You can’t beat the trip to Thurles. The atmosphere in the terrace was electric that day and it was great to see Luke Meade putting Newcestown back on the map also. 

Q. How do you usually spend New Year’s Eve? In my local of course, O’Mahony’s Bar. They’ve the best selection of G&Ts in West Cork, served up in a fish bowl by Buddy with elderflower and cucumber; where else would I go?!

Q. If you could go for New Year’s Eve drinks with three sports people – local, national or international – who would you pick? Brian O’Driscoll, as long as he brings Amy along! If she’s as funny as her Instagram posts we’d have a right laugh. Throw in Roy Keane and Davy Fitzgerald for a night in the local.

Q. What local sports star should we keep an eye on next year?  Newcestown’s rising camogie star Ciara O’Sullivan; she’s fiery and skilful, just like her Uncle Jim. No pressure Ciara!

Q. Any advice to get over the January blues? While avoiding Conor Condon’s shuttle runs, have a laugh and orgainse a mystery night away with Frano Tours! She’s the best in the business. 

Q. Finish the sentence: In 2018 I want to ….  help Newcestown have a great senior B championship campaign, tick a few more countries off my bucket list and enjoy my honeymoon! Now if I could also just shorten the road from Dublin to Cork....