Katie scores in rugby loss
Ireland end a poor eighth
WHILE IRELAND finished a disappointing Women’s World Cup with another defeat, two Wexford players created their own piece of history.
Both Katie Fitzhenry, from Wexford town, and Enniscorthy’s Jeamie Deacon, started in the centre in the play-off game for seventh and eighth spots against Wales in Ravenhil,l but it ended in disappointment with a 27-17 defeat, leaving the Irish girls in eighth position overall and possibly facing qualification for the next World Cup.
It was the first time for the two Wexford players to start in an Irish jersey together, although Fitzhenry figured in all their previous games at some stage, while Deacon also had one appearance as a replacement.
When Australia got some compensation for their group defeat to Ireland with a 36-24 victory in the fifth-sixth play-off, the pressure was on the home side to give a performance against Wales. While improvement was shown it was not enough to claim a victory against the Six Nations side.
On Saturday, both Fitzhenry and Deacon enjoyed many bright moments, and when in possession they did look dangerous, with Fitzhenry getting over for a late try which arrived to late to alter the result.
The World Cup may have been disappointing for the Irish girls but it was a huge experience for both Fitzhenry and Deacon, who will now endeavour to put this tournament behind them and build for the future.
Fitzhenry will now concentrate on the Irish sevens and their upcoming games which are of huge importance for major tournaments ahead.
Following the game, Ireland’s Tom Tierney confirmed that was stepping down as head coach.