CIARA GRIFFIN KNOWS all about balancing a heavy workload.
The Kerry native works as a primary school teacher in Limerick during the week, but also finds time to give her father a hand on his beef cattle farm back in Ballymac.
And that’s before we even get started on the 24-year-old’s blossoming rugby career.
The Munster and UL Bohemian back rower has been one of the first names on the Ireland team sheet since making her international debut in 2016.
Griffin’s natural leadership qualities are there for all to see, and Ireland head coach Adam Griggs handed her the captaincy at the beginning of this year.
Despite already having plenty on her plate, the flanker is constantly eager to upskill and she has taken on a health and fitness educational programme in Limerick with the aid of the Goodbody Rugby Players Ireland Personal Development Bursary.
I’ve always had a passion for health and fitness and it’s something I try to instil into my students,” Griffin says.
“I try to instil a love of being active, getting out and being healthy. It’s something I want to develop further myself so I can improve my own knowledge base.”
She adds: “My favourite thing about the bursary is that it has allowed me to follow my passion for health and fitness. I’m getting the opportunity to create a brand, develop classes and take part in classes so I’m really excited about that.”
The plan is use her qualifications to set up a business in the future, and if Griffin shows the same drive and determination that is witnessed out on the rugby pitch, there is little doubt that she will be successful.
“I love being busy,” she says. “The fear of getting complacent in what you’re doing motivates me and I love a challenge. I want to succeed in this area and help people while I’m doing it.
“My main aim is to get people to enjoy what they are doing, to enjoy being healthy and to show that there’s a lot of benefits to it.”
Ciara Griffin is one of 12 recipients to have been awarded the Goodbody Rugby Players Ireland Personal Development Bursary – four senior mens players, four players from the womens programme and four academy players.
Great 2nd half performance. Fair play to Arnold after getting a bit of stick lately to score a cracker like that. Van Dijk was a rock and Robertson has to be the best left back in the league. Bring on PSG Wednesday night!
@Maureen: Happy with the three points but they were very tame for about 60 minutes or so. Last 30 very good. Despite the league position still haven’t been firing on all cylinders so thankfully the defence is solid. God I sound very moany for a 3 nil win. But they will need to be more for a win against psg I reckon.
@Seaniecp: It was never going to be easy with Watford taking a leaf out of Mourinhos book and parking the bus but the goal was coming and Arnold’s goal made sure of the 3 points.
PSG will be totally different with plenty of room in behind to run into, chances will be created, hopefully they will take a few of em and seal their place in the next round.
@Seaniecp: no coincidence that the goals came when Watford had to start playing football. They set out to defend and got punished for it at the end. Liverpool still nowhere near our best though, can’t help but think the constant formation changes has something to do with it. Will take that points tally any day though!
“the hosts could have taken all 3 points”.
That’s an unusual assessment of a 3-0 win!
They still haven’t got out of 1st gear and City are at full pelt, and we’re 2 point’s off. More than happy with that.
@Mike Lyn: I suppose the real question is will they hit the attacking levels of last year. I’m not so sure myself. Definitely a more pragmatic approach this year. Better to win by 1 than 4
@Mark Noonan: I believe if we come through December still in touch we have a real chance of winning it. The attack will click no doubt and a sound defence, ya never know. Going out of Champion’s League would hurt, but having the squad to concentrate on League alone wouldn’t be too bad. If we click at right time and have only League to think about i have no doubt we can best City. IMO.
Nice result, first half was a struggle but once the first goal went in there was no trouble from Watford! But how stupid was Henderson head was gone from previous tackle! Vvd for Captain
I think I’d prefer to win by 4 than 1, might be handy if it comes down to goal difference