Rugby club in Offaly breaks new ground as club fields first Senior Women's team

Birr Rugby Club wrote another chapter in their long history when the recently formed senior women’s team made the short journey over to Roscrea to play their first ever senior game against the home side in a friendly fixture at the end of August.

Despite Birr’s shaky opening 15 minutes in the first half when they conceded two early tries, the Birr girls recovered well and replied with two tries of their own to go in at half time down 15 points to 10. The second half was a hard-fought battle with both sides playing some great rugby and only a late Roscrea penalty with five minutes to go decided the tie in favour of Roscrea on a final scoreline of 18 points to 10.

There was a big crowd in attendance, and they were well entertained by the quality of rugby from both sides on the night. Many thanks to Ciara and the Roscrea team for the hospitality after the game.

The Birr senior women’s squad is made up from the club’s previous U-16 and U-18 sides from several years ago plus the addition of several players who are new to the game. They have been training with good numbers and are making great strides.

For the coming season 23/24 the team will participate in Division 5 of the Leinster League, which is a development league for new teams.

The club is actively recruiting players, both experienced and new to the game. The team trains on Wednesday and Friday nights. Anybody interested in playing can contact Saoirse Egan (087) 6828715, Wren Higgins (083) 1440935, or Alan Purcell (087) 2656347.