Cork’s Anna Geary Announces Her Retirement From Inter County Camogie

A major loss to Cork. Reigning All-Ireland winning camogie captain, Anna Geary of Cork, has today announced her retirement from inter county camogie. The 27-year-old from Milford has this week decided to call time on her 12-year career during which she has scooped four All-Ireland senior titles. The news comes after Cork suffered a National League Division 1 final defeat at the hands of Galway in Semple Stadium, Thurles on Sunday afternoon. Anna pictured recently.  Anna was unable to partake in Cork's league campaign this year as a result of a shin injury which she sustained on club duty in February. The extremely talented player has stated that her career is the main reason that she is departing the Cork set-up. “It is never a good time to leave something you love, especially as it has been a focal part of my life for over a decade," she said in a statement. Cork are reigning All-Ireland champions. "But I am changing careers so I need to focus on that at the moment. It is a timing issue more than anything. "I place high expectations on myself each season and right now I cannot give the same commitment that is needed to compete at the highest level. It was such a tough decision but I think it’s the right one." Geary made her debut on the Cork senior team in 2003, in the same year that she lead Cork Under 16 team to three-in-a-row All-Ireland titles. Over the years at senior level she has secured four All-Ireland titles, three National League titles and eight Munster titles. She captained Cork to National League glory in 2013 and climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand last September to lift the O’ Duffy Cup. Anna pictured ahead of the All-Ireland final last year. The current Cork Rose of Tralee has had to juggle camogie, work and her Rose duties since last June but now with new career opportunities to explore and a return to the books to complete a Business and Life Coaching Diploma something had to be sacrificed. “Camogie has given me so much; I just hope I gave something back to the game- both on and off the field- while playing with Cork," she continued. "I am privileged to have worn the Cork jersey for as long as I have, but also honoured to have lined out alongside past, present and future heroes of the game. "I am lucky to have shared my inter county journey with true friends. Equally, I am grateful for all of the support from my family, management and Cork fans throughout my career." Anna presented with the cup in 2014. “I have played with Cork during an exciting time for camogie. The profile of the game is consistently increasing and there have been many positive developments. "I will continue to play my club, Milford, as I am not prepared to walk away from camogie entirely. Camogie will always be a part of who I am as it has helped me in so many ways. "It’s just someone else’s turn now to step in and experience that same joy in the Cork jersey.”