Q&A with Rosscarbery and West Cork footballer Áine Hayes

The Rosscarbery footballer led the West Cork ladies to a first-ever senior county final in 2018 – and she has backed a former Cork team-mate to give sprinter Phil Healy a run for her money!

Q. If you could relive one sporting moment from the past year, what would it be and why? 

Johnny Sexton’s drop goal against France. I was like a moody cow on the couch thinking Ireland’s Six Nations and Grand Slam hopes were over in the first game. When that kick went over I was in disbelief and for them to go on and win it, was brilliant. That moment was where it was won! 

Q. Ballineen’s Phil Healy is the fastest Irish woman of all-time – but who is the fastest person you know and would they beat Phil given a 20-metre head-start in a 100m race?

Orla Finn would definitely give Phil a run for her money. 

Q. What will you miss most about 2018?

This year’s heatwave, captaining West Cork to a senior county final and family weddings; the siblings and cousins have me broke. 

Q. Who do you think is West Cork’s biggest sports star? 

Can I say my brother Frank? The only other footballer in a house of ten. He had a cracking season with St James and regularly featured in this year’s Star for his sharp shooting. 

Q. World rowing champions Gary and Paul O’Donovan are quick on the water – but who would win a shot putt contest between the two, and why?  

Well, Paul has brown hair and Gary has blonde, so definitely Paul! 

Q. If you could go for New Year’s drinks with three sports people – local, national or international – who would you pick?

Donnacha O’Callaghan (we could get our tan done together), Brian O’Driscoll (but only if Amy can come) and you couldn’t have a wild night without Allihies’ Áine Terry! 

Q. What local sports star should we keep an eye on next year? 

Laura O’Mahony from O’Donovan Rossa, she will definitely feature on the Cork scene in 2019 and is one to watch for the future! 

Q. Conor McGregor – yesterday’s man or still relevant? 

Respect for what he’s done but he was never really my cup of tea.

Q. A penguin and a polar bear fight in the forest. There’s no one around to watch. The penguin walks out victorious. How did he win? 

Ah seriously, Kieran, what were you on coming up with these questions! Let’s go with ... the polar bear collapsed after reading the latest penguin joke. 

Q. Finish this sentence: In 2019 I want to … 

see Donald Trump impeached, watch the revival of the Cork men’s footballers and for the Cork senior ladies to regain the Brendan Martin Cup.