Aoife’s delight with mural ahead of Six Nations
SHE’S busy preparing to represent Ireland in the Six Nations this weekend and ahead of their opening fixture at home to Scotland, Aoife McDermott is certainly being well supported in her home town of Riverstown with a huge mural of the sports woman being unveiled at the weekend.
The mural which is on the side of a house in the village, was sponsored by Aer Lingus and designed by Subset.
The second row said she was thrilled to see the mural and couldn’t get over the actual size of it.
“I came home on Sunday to see it. It is class!
“It’s on the side of Harte’s pub. I knew for awhile that it was going to happen but I didn’t know what picture or anything it was going to be so it was a nice surprise.
“Subset graphic designers in Dublin were behind it and Aer Lingus, who are a main sponsor of the IRFU kindly sponsored it.
“They are really upping their game on the women’s side of things and are running tv ad campaigns and all of that.
“There is a mural in every Province so my one is the only one in Connacht, which is really lovely.”
The response from locals in Riverstown and Dublin where Aoife is based has been massive too.
“The response has been huge! It’s been a mental few days doing media stuff and it’s all very exciting.
“I don’t know how long it’s going to be up for but it’s great.
“A friend from work in Dublin sent me a picture of her standing beside it and she was teeny tiny, it is massive, basically the size of a house,” she added.
“There’s been a great response, my family and all that are thrilled and there is a good buzz in the village.”
Ahead to Sunday’s opening game in the Six Nations, Aoife said it’s been a very busy time in the preparation.
“It has been a very busy time alright, this will be my third Six Nations.
“Unfortunately Nicole (Fowley) was not selected this campaign so I’m the only Sligo girl.
“Preparations are going really well and we’ve been training Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we’re in a good spot and we’re hoping for a better campaign than last year.
“We’re home for the first 2 games which is excellent and it’s been very busy but hopefully I’m involved for all of it and stay injury free.
“Work has been very supportive as well. with time off for games and all of that.
“I work as research nurse in Cardiology with the Heartbeat Trust in Dun Laoighaire.
“I’m loving the build up to the Six Nations and the support from Riverstown and Sligo has been great.
“Hopefully people will watch the game and a good lot might travel.
“It’s great that the women’s side of things is getting more of a profile, last year we had huge crowds at our home games and hopefully this year will be the same,” Aoife added.
Ireland’s rugby women’s team are taking on Scotland in Donnybrook on Sunday afternoon at 1pm.
Ireland are at home on February 9th to Wales.
THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN HUGE! THERE IS A MURAL IN EVERY PROVINCE AND MINE IS THE ONLY ONE IN CONNACHT WHICH IS REALLY LOVELY.