Nine-time All-Ireland winner Valerie Mulcahy says she has been delighted with the positive reaction to her recent decision to speak publicly about her sexuality.
The Cork star became the first high-profile female GAA player to come out as gay and featured in the Donal Og Cusack documentary, Coming Out Of The Curve, which was televised on Monday night.
"It's all been very positive reaction, and I'm delighted with that," Mulcahy said to The Irish Times.
"It wasn't actually a big decision for me, because I've been comfortable and out for many years, and I think it was just maybe more of a deal to the bigger public.
"Anyone who knows me knows that my sexual orientation is not everything about me. They know who I am, they know I'm an athlete and that I'd rather they'd talk about my skills and football expertise.
"We're female, we're athletes, and it's just one small part of us. For some people it's important, but it doesn't necessarily have to define everything that I am."
Mulcahy attended the launch of the Women's Gaelic Players' Association (WGPA) yesterday and outlined the need for a players body to address the demands of the modern game.
"I've played football with Cork since I was 17, and we're lucky now that we've a good structure in place, with a very experienced manager, and good backing from our county board. But that did take time. There was a process there and we learned to ask, and in asking we were able to receive help.
"The whole idea of the WGPA is to find out what issues are there, and seek to improve them, rather than go home in the car giving out. It's there now to actually make a difference, and try and use our voices to make a change.
"It does still cost me to play for Cork, but that's my choice, and I think everyone accepts that when they're playing. So right now, I don't think it's about expenses. Things can improve, yeah, but it's more to do with being sure players are happy and getting the best out of ourselves."
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