Advertisement
Lynne Cantwell holds the Six Nations trophy as the Irish team are presented with their award. RTE screengrab

Irish women's rugby team honoured at People of the Year awards

The Grand Slam winners took home a collective accolade and tribute was paid to rugby fan Donal Walsh.

A YEAR TO remember for the Irish women’s rugby team has been capped off with a collective award for Sports Person(s) of the Year.

Ireland captain Fiona Coghlan and her Six Nations-winning teammates were honoured with the accolade at the RTÉ People of the Year awards on Saturday night. Kathryn Thomas, who presented them with their award, remarked, “If you want to win a Grand Slam, there’s no point sending a man to do a woman’s job.”

Rob Kearney, who was in the crowd, refrained from ’2009′ heckles and joined in with the standing ovation for the team:

YouTube credit: rte

There was also an award for the late Donal Walsh, who inspired so many people with his positive campaign against teenage suicide. The Kerry teen was a massive fan of the Munster and Irish rugby teams. After a long battle with cancer, Walsh passed away earlier this year. His parents, Fionnbar and Elma, collected the award on his behalf.

“He threw a stone into a pond,” his father said, “and he created a tidal wave.”

YouTube credit: rte

Leinster boss Matt O’Connor talks Jimmy Gopperth, soft tries and contentious officiating

Leinster call foul after late penalty denies O’Connor first home win

Author
Patrick McCarry
View comments
Close
Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.