Carlow rugby star signs professional contract with IRFU

Carlow native and Old Belvedere RFC player Dannah O’Brien has signed a professional contract with the IRFU.

O'Brien, who hails from Tullow, is among 29 names to join the Women’s High Performance Programme.

Commenting on the project, Head of women's performance and pathways Gillian McDarby said: "It is a hugely significant day as our Women's XVs High Performance Programme gets up and running.

"A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to ensure we have the right structures in place to support these athletes and it is an exciting time for all involved. We have 29 players contracted across the XVs and 7s Programmes and the contracting process is ongoing."

IRFU contracted players:

• Kathy Baker
• Natasja Beehan
• Claire Boles
• Enya Breen
• Megan Burns
• Aoife Dalton
• Kathryn Dane
• Méabh Deely
• Linda Djougang
• Vicky Elmes Kinlan
• Kate Farrell McCabe
• Stacey Flood
• Katie Heffernan
• Eve Higgins
• Brittany Hogan
• Erin King
• Lucinda Kinghan
• Emily Lane
• Anna McGann
• Lucy Mulhall
• Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe
• Dannah O'Brien
• Maeve Óg O'Leary
• Beibhinn Parsons
• Aoibheann Reilly
• Leah Tarpey
• Aoife Wafer
• Kayla Waldron
• Dorothy Wall

O'Brien made her international debut against Japan last August - scoring six conversions in a 57-22 victory.