GAA Football Star, Rena Buckley, announced as 'Sportswoman of the Month'

Cork Ladies Football Captain, Rena Buckley has today been named The Irish Times / Irish Sports Council 'Sportswoman of the Month' for October. This is following her outstanding performance at this year's All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football final in Croke Park.

24-year-old, Buckley from Donoughmore club, Cork inspired her Cork team-mates to a fantastic 0-16 to 0-07 win over their Kerry rivals in the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football final in Croke Park. This is the seventh time in eight seasons that Cork has been crowned All-Ireland champions.

Buckley is a very successful dual player; she has played football and camogie for her Club, College and County. A physiotherapist by trade, Rena's dream would be to spend her time playing sport.

The accolade of winning the Irish Times/Irish Sports Council 'Sportswoman of the Month' means Rena will be the 11th person to be in the running for the prestigious title of 'Sportswoman of the Year' at an awards ceremony in December.

Established in 2004, the aim of the Sportswoman of the Year awards is to recognize the abilities and achievements of women in Irish sports. The awards run over a 12 month period, with the judges selecting a winner each month for her ability to excel at sport. From the 12 monthly winners, the overall Sportswoman of the Year is selected and announced in December. The winner is decided by a judging panel, which is represented by individuals from The Irish Times, RTة, and the Evening Herald.

Further details on the Sportswoman of the Year Awards can be found on www.irishtimes.com/events/sportswoman/.