A momentous occasion for former Mayo rugby stars Ailish and Emily

LAST Saturday was a momentous day for Connacht Rugby as the Dexcom Stadium hosted two international matches, with Ireland facing Italy in the Six Nations at both Under 21 and senior women’s level.

There was a real air of anticipation in Galway city as thousands of supporters made their way to the College Road venue, the spring sunshine adding to the almost carnival atmosphere.

The official attendance of 9,206 was announced towards the end of the Women’s Six Nations match against Italy, a game Ireland won 57-20.

The curtain raiser was the Under 21 Six Nations match and Ireland won this encounter 55-8, having enjoyted a 36-8 lead at half-time.

There was a Mayo connection to the Ireland Under 21 team as back row Ailish Quinn and substitute Emily Foley both played underage rugby with Ballina Rugby Club before signing for Galwegians/Connacht.

Both Ailish and Emily hail from Co. Sligo, close to the border with Mayo, and the duo played starring roles for Ireland against Italy, with Ailish scoring a try on 31 minutes and substitute Emily also claiming a touchdown on 66 minutes.

Afterwards, Ailish said it was a proud occasion to line out for Ireland at her home stadium.

“It was very exciting to get to play for Ireland at my home venue as well as lining out with some of the girls that I have played with at the various underage grades in Connacht and Irish Rugby. Hopefully we can build on this victory going forward,” she said.

“It was nice to score a try at home, and everything went well with the teamwork and build-up play. It was class to be able to showcase what we have been building on at training and to put it on this stage in front of our own supporters.”

Quinn was pleased that her Connacht and Ireland team-mate Emily had such a big impact off the bench, and Quinn also remembered her time playing with Ballina at underage level.

“It was good for us two girls from Sligo to have such a memorable day as today. We have been playing rugby together for a number of years and it was a memorable occasion for us at the Dexcom Stadium.

“It was a great day for Ballina Rugby Club to be able to see players that have been at the club since minis rugby playing for Ireland. I hope that they are proud of our efforts.”

Despite such a healthy half-time lead against the Italians, Quinn said that there was never any danger of complacency in the Irish team.

“We did say at half-time that we wanted to keep Italy scoreless during the second half, and I am glad that we were able to do that. Italy upped the tempo during the second half but I am glad that, as a team, we managed to keep them scoreless.”

Quinn’s career has been making steady progress in recent months, but the Sligo native is not putting too much pressure on herself.

“My aims are to keep going and to keep building, and I will see where that takes me. I try not to put pressure on myself.

“We will take it one game at a time and hopefully I might be able to break into a senior Irish squad at some stage. However, I am happy to be playing Under 21s at the moment, and they are a fantastic squad of players.”