An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir September / October 2025 www.military.ie/magazine THE INTERNATIONAL THE INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE FORCES RUGBY DEFENCE FORCES RUGBY WORLD CUP – OUR WORLD CUP – OUR WONDERFUL WONDERFUL A Journey Begins A s the sun sets on the last glorious day at the Women's Military Rugby World Cup, we find ourselves reflecting on an incredible journey. What began as a shared ambition evolved into something far greater, it was a testament to dedication, resilience, and the power of camaraderie among women who serve, and the unbreakable bonds formed through these once in a lifetime experiences. It was indeed a shared journey that fused military discipline with athletic excellence. Our squad was exceptionally diverse with players drawn from across the ranks and from all Bdes, Services & Fmns, representing both PDF and RDF. We had experience in the form of Sgts Shendah Moran and Orlaith Kiely and A/W Shauna Bennett, who helped guide new players such as sisters, Lts Áine and Maeve Gleeson, Lts Marie Beth Kirby and Amy O'Neill, and Gnr Ruth Johnson all of whom transitioned seamlessly from other sports. Our squad captain, Pte Caoimhe Molloy and Pte Linda McNamara, former Munster player, brought elite rugby experience and vital leadership on and off the pitch. Comdt Niamh Ní Dhroma, a seasoned international and World Cup campaigner, was head coach of the squad and was even persuaded to lace up her boots one final time as she helped us navigate the pressures of international competition. Every time we stepped onto that field, we hung up the rank we wore on our chest and replaced it with the Shamrock we wore over our hearts. It did not matter what our backgrounds were or which units we belonged to or whether you where PDF or RDF, we were united in our fight for each other and for our team. We were all driven by the same determination that defines life in uniform. Together, we formed not just a team, but a sisterhood built on respect, resilience, and shared purpose. Pre-Tournament Excitement Preparation began months before the tournament began and squad members balanced demanding military and civilian roles with the level of commitment required. Training sessions were rigorous but filled with energy and laughter, a reflection of the balance between professionalism and spirit that characterises the Defence Forces. Kit day brought laughter, nerves, and a wave of realisation "Are we actually going to a World Cup?" A lecture at the Curragh solidified the journey ahead and Lynne Cantwell, the IRFU Head of Women's Strategy and Ireland's most capped female player, shared her experience regarding preparation and focus and inspired us with stories of pride, hard work, and unity. We left that room excited, nervous, but proud and determined. The Opening Ceremony at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy marked the official start, where Nations from around the world came together under one banner. The jersey presentation was emotional, each player handed their jersey by the player before them, sharing words of encouragement, with laughter and hugs weaving the squad closer together. The Tournament Matches Rugby Against Cancer – 32:7 Win Our opening match at Esher RFC set the tone. Every try, tackle, and set piece reflected months of preparation. Confidence and unity filled the squad, a great game had by all especially Lt Sophie Donnelly whose commitment to scoring a wonderful try also came with an injury that would remove her from the competition. UK Armed Forces – 0:65 Loss Our second match was a tough lesson in resilience. Despite the scoreline, and playing against some semi-professional players, every Irish player gave their all. Tonga – 39:31 Win A nail-biter from start to finish. With a halftime score of 19-19, this game was a true test of our character and teamwork. Lt Gen Mulcahy reminded us, we needed to go "to the trenches for one another" and that is exactly what we did. The reliable Tpr Chloe 8 | ARTICLE BY LT NORAH MURPHY, RDF FAIRYTALE FAIRYTALE

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