Sligo players enter tain at half time of Ireland’s Six Nations opener

THE Sligo Under 12 girls team had the honour of playing at half-time in the Ireland V England Women’s Six Nations opener last Friday.

The girls travelled to Energia Park with a large contingent of support from the U14, U16 and U18 Girls team from the club.

The 12 girls were part of the guard of honour for the English Women’s team as they took to the pitch and then settled in to cheer on Ireland against the Six Nations favourites.

Half-time saw Sligo RFC U12 Girls take on their counterparts from Portlaoise RFC.

An entertaining game ensued, with Sligo running in three tries with no reply.

At the end of the Six Nations game, though Ireland were comprehensively beaten by the all-professional England side, the Sligo players were delighted to meet their rugby heroes in the form of Sligo’s own Nicole Fowley and Laura Feely, from Ballyshannon, who first played rugby for Sligo RFC.

Well done to Gavin Clinch for organising an unforgettable day, which provided inspiration to the future Irish rugby stars.

Sligo’s Aoife McDermott is tackled by Catherine O’Donnell of England during the Women’s Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Energia Park in Donnybrook, Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile