Thurles Girl Shines On European Rugby Stage

Thurles RFC player Gemma Dunican celebrated her first international cap last weekend in Leige, Belgium at the European U18 7s Rugby European Championship.

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Thurles PRO

In the two day tournament Gemma and the Ireland Squad put in powerful performances against European sides Italy, Spain, Wales, England and the Netherlands.

Gemma has been a formidable presence on the Thurles RFC and Munster U18 teams throughout the 12/13, 13/14, and 14/15 seasons and was this year's worthy recipient of Thurles RFC's George Hyland Memorial Trophy for her outstanding rugby achievements.

Joined by Gemma were fellow Tipperary club players Chloe Blackmore and Kate English of Carrick-on-Suir RFC. A massive achievement for the Tipperary clubs, considering the panel was made up of 12 players from across the 4 provinces. A testament to the huge efforts of their respective clubs

Gemma proved worthy of her selection on the Irish team throughout her time in Belgium when she introduced off the bench after only 3 minutes of play in the first match of the tournament against Italy. She broke through the centre of play and after a long run flashed the ball to fellow Munster woman, Chloe Blackmore, resulting in the third try of the game to give Ireland a win of 21-12 over a strong Italian side. Gemma’s contribution in the Italian game, ensured her starting place for the following 5 matches.

The 12-team tournament concluded with the Ireland girls gaining revenge on Wales, coming from 19-7 down to win an exciting Plate semi-final 26-19, thanks to the super defensive play from Gemma and Bantry Bay's Yvonne O'Shea and trys from Chloe Blackmore and Mullingar's Katie Heffernan. These wins came either side of defeats to eventual Cup champions England, and the Netherlands in the Plate decider.

Gemma’s success is a result of her commitment to rugby at the highest level while training with her club, province and country, clocking up huge mileage with weekly training sessions in Dublin, Cork and Thurles.

Thurles RFC extends it’s congratulations to Gemma, her coaches, Pat Dunican, Brian Scanlon, Gerry OHagan, Colm Skehan (S&C) and to Gemma’s family and team mates on this fantastic achievement and it is clear from the outstanding performance of her first time in the green jersey, that it will not be her last.