Interview | Munster U18 Girls Assistant Coach Mairead Kelly

18th September 2019 By The Editor

Munster U18 Girls Assistant Coach Mairead Kelly. INPHO/Oisin Keniry.

Ahead of the U18 Women’s Interprovincial Championship final between Munster and Ulster at MU Barnhall RFC on Saturday, we caught up with Munster U18 Girls Assistant Coach Mairead Kelly.

A former UL Bohemian, Munster and Ireland winger/centre, Kelly was a key member of Ireland’s 2006 and 2010 World Cup squads.

The Cork native joined Munster U18 Girls Head Coach Fiona Hayes as part of this year’s coach and management team, which includes a number of former Munster players and Irish internationals.

Munster U18 Girls defeated Leinster 15-3 at St. Mary’s College RFC in the semi-final of the U18 Women’s Interprovincial Championship last weekend, following the round robin phase of the competition.

Kelly said: “The girls have been very open to receiving feedback, improving their skills and developing their knowledge of the game over the weeks.

“It’s been a step up for the girls coming from their clubs and they have been reacting very positively to the challenge since they first came into camp over the summer months.”

The former Munster and Ireland player is enjoying coaching the squad alongside several Irish internationals, including Hayes, Niamh Briggs and Ciara Griffin.

“They see that with Fiona (Fiona Hayes) and I and also with Ciara Griffin, who looks after strength and conditioning, we’ve been there, done that and we are coming from a point of view that is not just theoretical.

“We look to provide real life examples and put scenarios into very clear context for the girls and they are learning quicker through such game specific examples.

“We are trying to empower them to understand why they are doing things or why they would make one decision over another decision on the pitch.”

Kelly representing Munster Women.

Kelly is full of praise for this season’s extended five week IRFU Women’s Interprovincial Championship which has provided more game time for both the women’s and U18 squads.

“The bonus of having those extended games is that everyone plays their part and the 30-player squad contributes across the five-game tournament, so it’s really positive.

“The girls have enjoyed the opportunity to improve and rectify any mistakes made in the earlier rounds while combinations have also developed across the matches.”

Kelly started playing rugby at the University of Limerick in 2005, joined UL Bohemian RFC in 2006, and travelled to Canada as part of Ireland’s 2006 World Cup following a late call up.

“I was drafted into the Ireland squad late in 2006 following an injury to one of the girls, after that I was out for a while myself through injury and then came back into the circle before being lucky enough to go to London for the 2010 World Cup.”

Kelly also played football from a young age and was involved with Cork’s senior team up until 2011, winning six All Ireland finals.

“I was playing inter-county football at the same time as lining out for Munster and Ireland, management were very understanding and I didn’t have to do pre-season because I was playing GAA.

Kelly in All Ireland senior football action.

“I think the two sports compliment one another and that GAA players make great rugby players because they see the space and go to it naturally.

“Most GAA players have very good hands and then it’s just about adding the technical side and knowledge of set plays which is what I loved learning the most as a rugby player.

“With regards Munster, I’ve been involved with many campaigns over the years and I really enjoyed my time with both Munster and Ireland, you’re playing alongside the best women in your province and country – it’s a great opportunity that everyone should savour.

“I then continued playing club rugby and won the All Ireland League with UL Bohs’ in 2018 – that was my last hurrah!”