Lorraine Bray is the May winner of the WLR FM / Granville Hotel Monthly GAA Award.
The Cappoquin midfielder inspired her team to back-to-back championship wins over Wexford and Tipperary. She netted twice against Wexford and followed that up with three points against Tipp. Victory over Tipperary was historic for the Deise ladies as it was their first win over the Premier county since their promotion to the senior ranks
This is Lorraine’s second monthly award.
Bray was appointed Waterford captain for the first time earlier this year. This is her tenth season on the panel.
The Cappoquin midfielder joined the Déise squad in 2013 under Mark Cooney. She was Player of the Match in the All Ireland intermediate final win over Kildare two years later. Bray received an All-Star in 2019.
Lorraine was delighted to pick up the award.
“I’m delighted to win the award. It’s always nice to be recognised on this stage. I was delighted when I got the call. I was at work so I was caught on the hop by it! It’s always a nice thing to be recognised and it’s a lovely achievement to get.”
Bray has been a revelation since moving from the half-back-line into midfield for this year’s championship - and she has particularly enjoyed being able to get on the scoresheet more frequently.
“It’s always nice to be getting on the scoreboard. I have a lot more freedom out the field compared to when I’m in the backline. Back there, you’re always watching your back and have to be on your toes. It’s nice to be able to get up the field, and get forward and contribute on that end.”
Lorraine particularly enjoyed captaining the Deise to that famous victory over Tipperary - she says it was a sense of relief, but a feeling that will buoy the squad on for the remainder of their All-Ireland campaign.
“It was a great buzz. Seeing everyone in the dressing room afterwards - the facial expressions were almost of relief to finally lift the burden and get one over Tipperary. It was pure delight. Everyone was happy and smiling afterwards and that’s something you don’t always get to see.”
Lorraine and her team-mates are in action again at the weekend as they face Clare, with Derek Lyons’ side bidding to book their place in a fifth successive All-Ireland Quarter-Final.
