Connacht Host Women’s Rugby Day
It was all about women’s and girls rugby at the Sportsground last week, as girls from mini to representative grades took to the pitch for an action-packed Connacht Women’s Rugby Day.
At 12pm, a mix of Galwegians and UCG players took on Tuam RFC, resulting in a 15-0 in favour of the mixed team with some fine performances from Shona Craig, Niamh Quinn, Alma Lacken, Maire Foley and Sarah Brady.
Tuam players Cathy Gormally, Katherine Begley, Mary Murphy, Marie Riley and backs Louise Corcoran, Grainne Divilly and Kathrin Antweiler also had some great phases of play and were a tough side to compete against.
Ballina’s Under-15s travelled down to play at half-time, and formed a guard of honour at the start of the Connacht v Munster Women’s Interpro game, and some mini players from Westport, Ballinasloe and Na Bairnachai were also on hand to raise the flags and welcome both sides to the pitch.
When the half-time whistle blew, Ballina U-15s played against each other, displaying some fine rugby skills with much credit to be given to the coaching staff and management – Deirdre Whyte, Anne Carroll and Jacinthe Kearney.
On the other half of the pitch, a mix of the mini clubs played and much credit to them for travelling down for the half-time show match.
Wendy Hickey, Connacht Community Rugby Officer and Women’s Development Officer, was delighted with the turnout on the day, and encouraged with the development of the game at all levels.
“It was excellent to see girls from mini all the way to representative taking part in a day of rugby,” she said.
“It allows the mini players to see that there is a pathway for them to follow, and that with the support from their own clubs, youth rugby for girls can flourish and they too can be wearing the green jersey and represent their province and possibly their country.
“For this to happen however, support from their local rugby clubs is vital, and I applaud the clubs that have come on board and welcome girls and youths rugby in their club structure.”
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