Jamie Wall Recalls How Demanding Minor Document Hammered Home Cork Realisation

While there are many counties throughout Ireland that hold their players to a high standard, few of them do so more than Cork.

A county with a remarkable history of success in both code at all age groups, only the best is accepted. That includes at minor level, where Cork have won 20 All-Irelands in hurling and 11 in Gaelic football.

As it turns out, even those at that level are made well aware of what is expected from them in a red jersey.

READ ALSO: Lee Keegan Identifies Two Overlooked Reasons Behind Dublin Decline

READ ALSO: Patrick Horgan Not Letting Old Cork Loyalties Cloud His Judgement In New Role

Jamie Wall knows more about playing minor for Cork than most, having been a dual star for the county. He would win a Munster title and reach an All-Ireland decider with the footballers in 2010.

The Killbrittain man said that his appreciation for their high expectations in the county were only driven home after he made that football panel.

Speaking on GAA Minor Moments from Electric Ireland, Wall recalled how he and his teammates were given a document outlining what was expected from them as Cork minor players.

If you're from Cork your job is to try and compete at the top level. You can't but be aware of it.

Then you get this chance to wear red at underage at 14, 15, 16 if you're lucky, pushing up to minor. It's that expectation that your job is to try and win. It's not just good enough to play for Cork.

I remember we got a document after we made the minor football panel. It said 'you've done the first part, being picked for Cork is the easy part'. I was like 'it wasn't easy at all actually'.

But it's like 'your job isn't to be picked for Cork, your job is to win for Cork'. That stuck with me, I was like 'okay this is different'...

It wasn't so much a contract, we didn't have a choice in it! A contract is a bilateral thing. This was kind of a mission statement, outlining what your responsibilities as a young Cork player were, as a person, what was expected of you in terms of your conduct.

It wasn't a contract, I certainly don't believe in all that stuff.

While it may not have been a binding contract, it certainly left Jamie Wall and his teammates in no doubt as to what was expected from them when playing for the county.

Thankfully, he has a Munster minor medal and All-Ireland final appearance to show for his efforts.