Ireland star Parsons honoured to follow in footsteps of her idols

IRELAND star Beibhinn Parsons was delighted to follow in the footsteps of her idols as the Ballinasloe winger was named Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Women’s Player of the Year.

After enjoying an impressive breakthrough season, which was halted due to her Leaving Certificate before Covid-19 intervened, Parsons showed why she is one of the most exciting young players in the country with a string of fine performances.

The 19-year-old hopes to kick on again in a huge season for Ireland, with the Six Nations and World Cup due to take place later in the year.

“I was completely shocked and also delighted when I found out the news,” Parsons said of her award.

“To follow on from my team-mates like Claire Molloy, Sene (Naoupu), Ciara Griffin, they’re players of such high calibre, so to be even considered for an award is beyond all my expectations. It means the world, like a dream come true.”

Ireland have been in camp over the last couple of weekends, but with the Six Nations postponed, the squad are now awaiting further details, as well as a re-fixed date for their World Cup qualifiers.

“Since I joined the squad our focus has been to get to the World Cup, it’s the pinnacle of rugby, it’s what you train for, it’s what you do everything for, really,” Parsons maintained. “I’m scheduling my life nearly to peak during those World Cup qualifiers.”

For now, the winger is hoping to add to her game in her quest to help Ireland qualify for the World Cup in New Zealand.

“My dad gave me good advice when I left at Christmas, he said: ‘just play like a kid,’” Parsons added. “I think I lost that at points, trying to be too serious, be a different player or a playmaker, which I’m not. I’m a finisher.”

Meanwhile, Tullamore flyer Jordan Conroy was awarded Men’s Sevens Player of the Year for the second year running, while the nowretired Louise Galvin picked up the women’s accolade.

Leinster’s Guinness PRO14 success saw them named the Dave Guiney Team of the Year, with Ballynahinch crowned Club of the Year.

Munster’s late CEO Garrett Fitzgerald was honoured with the Tom Rooney award.

Former Ireland winger and Lion Trevor Ringland and ex-Ireland prop Fiona Coghlan were inducted into the hall of fame.