My job in Munster: Claire Cooke HR and Brand Manager
Claire Cooke
Originally from Nenagh in Tipperary, Claire moved to Cork for her first job in the bank where she worked for over 10 years. Claire's academic background is in Psychology. She also holds a Masters in Human Resource Management from UL. She is married to Ciarán and has four children, Daniel, David, Neassa and Sarah.
When did you join Munster?
In 2001, when there were only a handful of people working in the organisation.
What do you do?
There are two parts to my role. My HR manager role involves guiding and managing the overall provision of human resources services. I work closely with the CEO regarding player contracting and making sure we have the right people, with the right skills, in all areas of the organisation. My brand manager role involves making sure that our advertising and marketing activities send out the right image to our supporters. One very interesting aspect of my role is working with adidas in the creation and design of the kit each season. They are incredibility innovative and supportive of the Munster culture.
What is the best part of your job?
The diversity within the role is something that really appeals to me. From working with people and helping them to reach their potential to developing the brand and ensuring that we are progressive custodians for the next generation brings many challenges.
Most memorable match?
The two winning Heineken Cup finals have to be up there but the most memorable for me over the 13 years has to be the Miracle Match. Munster needed to beat Gloucester by four tries and 27 points to qualify for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals and that's exactly what they did. What a game!
