Enya Breen Interview | “This Has Been My Dream Since I Was A Kid”

Ireland international and Munster centre Enya Breen recently spoke to Irish Rugby about what has been a whirlwind two years for the Skibbereen woman as she established herself on the international stage.

21-year-old Breen made her Ireland debut as a 19-year-old against France during the 2019 Six Nations and she has since earned eight caps for her country.

“Last year was a bit of a whirlwind for me but it has been really good to settle down this year and get more confident, more game-time, just building into myself really,” Breen told Irish Rugby.

“I feel like I’m improving week on week and with these great players around me, it’s just been great for me.” 

Enya Breen during Ireland’s recent clash with Italy in the Six Nations

Breen is part of a strong Munster contingent in Adam Griggs’ Ireland squad and her rugby journey began by playing minis with Carrigaline before continuing her development with Bantry Bay.

She recalls how she swiftly progressed through the Munster pathway which ultimately led to international honours.

“I started with club and then went from there into Munster U18s. My second year in the Munster U18s I was on the underage Sevens as well. And then, I played with them for two years, with the Munster U18s and 15s as well. I just made the progression into the Munster seniors and into here (Ireland)!” 

Breen added: “The pathway has proven to be great, you have players like Beibhinn (Parsons), Dorothy Wall and Emily Lane making ground in the Sevens at the moment. The pathway is there and it’s bringing out great talent. Hopefully, it’s the start of many and there will be more names in the future that will be big.”  

Enya Breen during an Interprovincial clash against Leinster in 2019

Although it has been a hugely successful year for Breen as she established herself in Ireland’s midfield, she is determined to continue to grow as a player and earn more caps for her country.

“Well, I just want to keep improving. I want to be the best player that I can be. Yes, the dream was always to play for Ireland but now the goalposts had to move. I want to keep playing in this green jersey for as long as I can. I just want to be the best player that I can be.” 

When the UL Bohemians club woman was asked what she would tell any aspiring young woman who has dreams of playing at the highest level, her advice was simple – work hard and believe in yourself. 

“Just back yourself and go after it. This has been my dream since I was a kid. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. I’ve worked hard. I think you just have to back yourself and absolutely go for it because, at the end of the day, hard work will get you there.”

Another young Munster woman who is currently thriving in a green shirt is Tipperary native Dorothy Wall. Check out our interview with Wall as she explains how she progressed through the Munster pathway to play for Ireland.

If you would like to know more about Enya Breen’s rugby journey, check out this episode of Munster Rugby’s podcast, The Crooked Feed, from last year where Breen was a guest.