She is organised and detailed and enjoys taking ideas from concept to successful implementation, managing sponsorship, PR and marketing to create long-term value for her clients.

She is a team player with a flexible, can-do attitude and a warm disposition.

The dust has settled in South Africa and Ireland has returned home from a losing summer test series. However, while the elusive series winning remains just that, it seems there is a real sense of positivity among the squad and fans alike.

Expectations were hopeful at best before the squad flew south this month for the daunting challenge of three away tests to the Springboks. Having never beaten the Boks in South Africa and sporting a 0-7 record, Joe Schmidt et al had a n eye on history.

Game one on June 11^th in Cape Town saw the sending off of Munster man and South African native CJ Stander for a reckless tackle on Pat Lambie in the 22^nd minute of the first half.

With 14 men, that first test victory appeared an even taller order than before. However, a cohesive and ruthless Ireland somehow defied the odds and the numerical disadvantage. A stunning 20-26 defeat of the Springboks finally put an end to the loosing hoodoo Ireland had endured on South African soil.

The nature of the victory, the manner of the play, gave fans real cause for optimism. This was the first time that Ireland has really played well together since the rugby World Cup clash with France in 2015. Injuries and retirements saw Ireland drag themselves into third place in the 2016 Six Nations but there a sense of gloom hanging heavy in the rugby world. Ireland looked to be on the wane.

Three months on and Ireland once again stands tall. Schmidt brought with him four uncapped players and Paddy Jackson stood in for the injured Jonathon Sexton. A new look team in some ways but with an historic victory under their belts, a series win was on the cards.

Game two on June 18^th once again saw Ireland boss the bigger and stronger South Africa pack. Smart play and slick passing gave Ireland a 19 point lead at the end of the first half. History books looked set to be rewritten again.

However, altitude and inexperience combined to allow the Springboks regain a foothold in the game and with a blistering second half, secured the series levelling second test 32-26. Optimising tempered for Ireland.

Game three, the decider, on June 25^th, began and remained a far closer affair. Gone was the free running, try scoring ways of the first two tests. It became a battle of the kickers and the will of the packs. A contentious yellow card to Willie Le Roux on Tiernan O’Halloran, shaped the game immeasurably in the first half however, when in a tackle similar to the red card incident from game one, Le Roux recklessly tackled O’Halloran in the air.

After hobbling through to half time, O’Halloran was replaced at the break by Keith Earls. A second half therefore saw a cobbled together backline that was charged with repelling the mighty Springboks.

Heroics ensued but alas, precision penalty kicking by the home side saw them clinch the decider 19-13, ending Ireland’s dreams of history.

While Ireland must now wait for another chance to finally secure a series win over the south hemisphere side and despite letting victory slip from the grasp in game two, Ireland has a renewed sense of optimism.

The old guard of Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll have faded into hallowed memory and the new breed, raised on dreams of emulating Paulie and BOD, have been given their opportunity and it would take a cold heart to say that they have not taken it.

The worrying and potentially career ending injuries to Cian Healy and Sean O’Brien, where once were like daggers to the heart, now seem somewhat less consequential to the Ireland team.

The Ireland squad is now refreshed with new blood, new talent, new ambition. They are now standing on the shoulders of the giants that came before and a bright future lies ahead.

For many, the trip to the USA later this year, where they will face the mighty All Blacks, cannot come soon enough. Ireland has been rebooted and is now ready to take on the world once more.

The Ireland Rugby summer tour of South Africa is only days away and as has been the case with both the 2016 Six Nations and the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has a massive injury headache to contend with.

In addition to the massive loss of captain, Paul O’Connell, Schmidt has had to juggle and blood more new faces than Ireland has seen in years and while this is actually a good thing, it has left Ireland scrambling to fill the gaps left by an injury list of starters that is once again approaching double digits, and which includes

Prop – Cian Healy

the Leinster and Ireland loosehead prop has been missing for much of the last 18 months following neck surgery and persistent knee injuries. now stood down by Leinster, Healy now has the summer months to finally try and regain full fitness and return next season.

Second Row – Peter O’Mahony

The Munster captain suffered a season ending knee injury at last year’s Rugby World Cup. Early hopes were that O’Mahony might return in April, however, this has not been the case and the hope now is that he will line out again next season.

Second Row – Mike McCarthy

McCarthy, like Healy, has been stood down by the IRFU following a concussion injury suffered during Ireland’s Six Nations match with France. McCarthy was given the rest of the season off in order to fully recover.

Flanker – Sean O’Brien

Probably Ireland’s biggest injury concern, O’Brien and his hamstring issues are now entering their third season. Having featured only a handful of times in the past two seasons, the fear is not about when he will return but rather if he will return at all.

Fly Half – Jonathan Sexton

Focus has been on the Leinster and Ireland no.10 this season as he has been on the receiving end of several hard and often borderline illegal tackles, leaving him battered and bruised. An ongoing shoulder problem has now forced Sexton to undergo surgery instead of head to South Africa with the rest of the Irish squad.

Wing – Luke Fitzgerald, Dave Kearney, Tommy Bowe

Probably Ireland’s most unlucky player, Fitzgerald has been sidelined off and on for the past two seasons. Having overcome these persistent injuries and battled his way back into contention during the Pro 12 season, yet another knee injury has forced the Leinster man to pull out of the touring squad this summer.

Brother to Rob, Dave Kearney has also seen his playing time curtailed his playing time this season. Most recent in an injury blighted season, a calf injury has cost him his place on the plane for South Africa.

Bowe has not featured since last year’s Rugby World Cup where a serious knee injury ended the winger’s season early. With rehabilitation ongoing it is hoped the Ulster man will back in time for the new season.

Full Back – Rob Kearney

Having only returned to action for Leinster’s Pro 12 final defeat to Connacht, Kearney, who has suffered numerous injuries this season, has once again been ruled out, this time with a hamstring complaint.

As Ireland attempts to mount a challenge on South African soil and rewrite the record books where Ireland has yet to record an away win to the Springboks, this list of omissions makes for worrying reading and leaves Ireland fans feeling somewhere south of positive.

Since Peter Stringer departed Munster back in 2011 for a loan spell to English Premiership side Saracens, he has been an enduring example of commitment, endurance and professionalism.

Following loan spells with Saracens and Newcastle, Stringer made his loan move away from his beloved Munster a permanent thing. Signing for Bath, Stringer spent two seasons with southern club. Then in 2015 he signed for Sale Sharks and has continued his long career at the heart of every scrum and ruck, digging out the ball and directing his side like a general on the front line.

This week, the ever young 38 year old was named Sale Shark’s Player of the Year in recognition for his effort and impact on the Premiership side currently sitting in fifth place in the table with two games remaining.

Having played over 1200 minutes this season, Stringer has recently been awarded a further one year contract extension which will see him competing at the very top of his profession as a near 40 year old.

To understand just how exceptional the Cork man’s longevity is in the sport you only need to look at his game stats. With nearly 330 club games in the highest leagues and a further 103 international caps between Ireland, the Ireland Wolfhounds and the Barbarians, the 38 year old has pretty much done it all.

A professional from 1998, he is now competed and beating players who were not even born when he signed his first professional contract.

With no signs of him slowing down, or aging for that matter, it is testament to his professionalism and commitment that he is one of the most enduring professionals ever and when he does eventually hang up his boots, will have amassed over 450 games as a professional, something that few, if any, could even come close to claiming.

From all at BSMG, a big congratulations Peter. You are certainly one of Ireland’s finest ever exports and here’s to another year at the top.

The scrum-half, who appears not to age, will be nearly 40 by the time this new contract expires. Stringer, who has been capped 98 times for Ireland, joined Sale last year on a one year deal and has impressed the Aviva Premiership side in that time, appearing 13 times. Such has been his contribution to the side, both on the field and in training, where his experience has been invaluable to the younger players in the squad, that the Sale management were keen to keep the ever young Cork man at the club for another season.

Head coach Steve Diamond spoke of the contract extension,

“Perter is a model professional who is incredibly fit and shows no signs of getting old. He has brought our backline to life this season.”

“He is a very well respected member of our squad and the younger lads have all benefitted from Peter being here.”

Since leaving Munster after 230 appearances which included two Heineken Cups and three Celtic League titles, Stringer has spent successful spells at Saracens, Newcastle and Bath before his move to Sale in the summer of 2015 and is widely regarded as one of the finest scrum-halfs of his generation.

“I’m sorry, what?”, I hear you ask. Okay so let me rewind a bit.

Sunday last, 07 February 2016, there was a little matter of Ireland’s first game of the 2016 6 Nations Championship, against Wales, that side we respect but just hate to lose to. Now we all know the outcome of that game, a romper stomper of a 16-16 stalemate. Reaching this outcome was the thing of heart attacks, strokes and shouting at the TV so loudly that you scare the ever living daylights out of the dog and the last you see of him is him tearing out the door and off up the road. Like I said though, he came back so all is forgiven.

Tomorrow, February 13th, Ireland faces France in Paris and I just don’t have the heart to tell the dog he is likely to be doing another Linford Christie. Maybe I will just let him out the back before the game starts….
This year sees Ireland return as two time defending champions and as they strive for the hat trick of victories, many questions have yet to be answered.

1. How will Ireland be now that Paul O’Connell is not leading us out?
2. Are we still suffering the effects of a World Cup hangover?
3. With the provinces misfiring this season, where will Ireland find the form needed to win?

Every rugby fan has been fearing the worst while hoping for the best. After the 16-16 draw against Wales last Sunday, dare I saw some of the questions have been answered.

So far Ireland has done well without Paulie. Ok, so it’s only been one game but you’ll take that performance any day right?
There does not appear to be any World Cup hangover. In fact the squad looks hungry and focused. What else would you expect from a squad guided by the wizard Joe Schmidt?

As for the provinces’ league form, while the ‘big three’ have been performing below the standards we have all come to expect, Connacht are charging and current stand at the top of the Pro 12 league table. So perhaps it’s not all bad.

Game 2 for Ireland is against a French side also going through something of a rebuild. We all recall the walloping Ireland doled out in the final pool game of World Cup in September. How could we forget? That was the game we all watched O’Connell being carried from the field like a fallen general, leaving the battlefield on his shield.

France have been either inspired or insipid over the last few seasons under Philippe Saint-André, culminating in a World Cup quarter final humiliating decimation at the hands of eventual champions New Zealand. Now under new guidance from new head coach Guy Novès, France look to rekindle that spark, that Va Va Voom, if you will. What better way to do that than with a Championship opener against perennial wooden spooners, Italy. Instead France put up a performance that lacked coherence or heart. The backs tried a few things but eventually ran out of steam or interest, I’m not sure which. The forwards came across as lazy and disinterested. Italy for their part, as they always do, came to compete, driven by their legendary captain, Sergio Parisse and frankly, deserved more from their narrow 23-21 loss. More “Les Blew It” more than Les Bleus from France.
Come Saturday I would not be too put out with another such French performance against Ireland. In fact to do so would see Ireland steamroll them in Paris, provided Ireland show up with a performance like last week.

However I doubt anyone expects an easy match in Stade Francais. France will come with renewed ambition and purpose and will likely be focusing all their attentions on the likes of Sexton and his suspected shoulder injury. Like September’s World Cup fixture, Monsieur Bastareaud will be barrelling through the lines seeking Jonny out.

Ireland will be hoping to repeat the kind of result they last had over France, that 24-9 victory in the World Cup, this time however, without the losses. That day we saw Sexton gone, O’Connell gone (forever – someone pass the hanky), O’Brien gone. Ok O’Brien self-destructed and got himself suspended so we can scratch him from the list.

Under the new leadership of Ulster’s Rory Best and the arrival of new Irishman CJ Stander, there is much cause to expect a rousing Ireland performance. Stander was Ireland’s stand out player last week as he pretty much continued with the form he has shown for Munster this season. Well over 20 carries, an absolute nightmare for the Welsh defence and a Man of the Match medal after 80 minutes. Stander is Ireland’s new favourite flanker. O’ Brien returns in place of Tommy O’Donnell, who also put in a strong showing against Wales. If O’Brien does what Sean O’Brien can and Stander has a repeat performance, then Heaslip can hopefully enjoy another strong outing at Number 8. In fact the thought of this unholy trio at their best tomorrow gives me palpitations. Schmidt may just have stumbled across a 6-7-8 combination that is going to be truly world class.

There are still a lot of ifs about tomorrow’s game. Nothing can be assumed or taken for granted. How is Rob Kearney after his injury? Will he in fact pass the ball at any stage during the 80 minutes? How about that gammy hamstring of O’Brien’s. Is he destined to become Luke Fitzgerald’s injury buddy or can he overcome a hamstring that appears so tight you could play a speed metal guitar solo on it? Can Dave Kearney stand in for a concussed Keith Earls who appears to be back to his side stepping best?
One way or the other it’s going to be a battle. Questions will get answered, more will be asked. I for one however am certainly more positive than I was a week ago when I wrote off Ireland against Wales. Provided Ireland has the focus, starts like they did last week and gets a lucky bounce or two tomorrow in Paris, who’s to argue we can’t come away with the W. Such is my confidence I place a €1 bet on Ireland with a +1 handicap. I know, lunatic right?

The curtain lifts in Paris at 2:25pm Ireland time so by 4pm we’ll all know if I doubled my money. Let the games begin..

Image Credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

“It has been a real privilege and a pleasure to have represented Paul during his stellar career. To a consummate professional and a true gentleman, I and the whole BSMG family would like to extend our warmest regards and best wishes to Paul as he starts a new chapter of his life and my hope that BSMG can continue to work with Paul on future endeavours.

I would like to extend to Paul’s parents, Michael and Shelagh my sincerest thanks for their friendship through the years and my kindest regards and best wishes to Paul’s wife, Emily, and their wonderful children Paddy and Lola.

Congratulations on a legendary career Paul and best wishes for the future.”

– John Baker, BSMG

On that fateful day, in what has turned out to be his last professional rugby match, rugby fans watched as O’Connell was carried from the field, akin to a fallen warrior leaving the field of battle on his shield. Over the winter O’Connell had undergone surgery to repair the injury and then months of intensive rehabilitation. Alas, it became apparent recently that returning to play was not possible and he was forced to heed the advice from his medical team.

Of his retirement O’Connell issued a statement via the IRFU and says,

“It is with deep regret that I have decided to retire from professional rugby following medical advice. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all at Rugby Club Toulonnais for their understanding and support over the past few months.

Since sustaining the injury at the World Cup I have been fully focused on returning to fitness and starting an exciting new chapter for both myself and my family in Toulon. Unfortunately this will no longer be possible.”

With the 2016 6 Nations just days old, the Irish public are still trying to adjust to not seeing O’Connell lining out as captain. Even though we knew he had retired from International rugby following the World Cup, news of his retirement will come as blow. As a nation we had wished him well with the next chapter of his career with Toulon. Such was his contribution to Irish Rugby, nobody begrudged his decision to move to the Top 14 side that currently dominates European rugby. Even at 36 he was a formidable addition to an already star studded side.

Today’s announcement saw O’Connell reflect on an incredibly successful career during which time he was a star among world class stars.

“I have been blessed to be a professional rugby player for over 14 years and to be part of Munster and Ireland teams that have experienced success.

I have played with some of the best players to ever line out in the red of Munster and the green of Ireland and have had the privilege of captaining my country.

I would like to thank those at Young Munster RFC, Munster Rugby, the IRFU and Lions Rugby who have supported me over the course of my playing career.”

Though one of the finest players of a generation of world rugby, O’Connell remains a humble and approachable man; a true gentleman. Of the adoring support he has received over the years, he says,
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported the teams I have been a part of. The support you have shown me is humbling and an immense source of pride for both myself and my family.”

Over the course of his career O’Connell has captained Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. His rousing team talks are the stuff of legend and have brought men to tears, such is his ability to inspire and motivate. His words have always been backed up with actions on the field. Never one to shy away, always there to lead from the front. This is the kind of leader that men follow, and did for years at provincial and international level.
Looking back over a career that one cannot help but feel has been cut short by injury, O’Connell’s achievements are immense:

Appearances
Munster: 174 caps
Ireland: 108 caps
British and Irish Lions: 7 caps

Honours
2 x Heineken Cups (European Champions Cup) with Munster
3 x Celtic League titles with Munster
1 x Celtic Cup
3 x 6 Nations titles
1 x Grand Slam
4 x Triple Crowns
3 x tours with the British and Irish Lions
1 x tour victory

As one chapter ends, another begins and while only O’Connell himself knows what he wants to do next, there is surely going to be a huge demand for him as a pundit, public speaker, perhaps coach.
For now however, the Irish and world rugby family alike wish him the very best in his retirement. It will be many a year before his like will be seen again.

Image Credit: James Crombie/www.Inpho.ie

As with 2014 and 2015, Niamh Briggs will captain the national side as she looks to lead the team to further glory. Like the men, these are fruitful times for women’s rugby in Ireland. 2015 saw the second 6 Nations title in three years and a semi-final finish in the 2014 World Cup. 2013 was also a year of personal triumph for Briggs as she was named scrumqueens.com World Player of the Year.

With all the success over the last few years, this year the bar has been set high. Accustomed now to winning, Briggs and co. have ambitions to defend their 6 Nations title. Of the pending tournament Briggs says, “I really want to win. Every time we play, we want to win. It would be nice to be able to put ‘consecutive Six Nations winner’ beside your name.”

There have been a number of forced changes to the squad that lined out last year. A number of the back line stalwarts are not available due to their involvement with the 7’s code as they push for qualification for this year’s Olympic Games. This has seen the arrival of several new faces to the squad. Of the squad changes Briggs added,
“It’s important that we keep raising our standards and that the girls coming in meet them, rather than us dropping down, because we don’t want to go back.”

Ireland are set to host the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup and as a squad they are keen to continue to build on the successes of previous years, expanding the squad and their experience so that come 2017 they can put down a legitimate challenge for world cup glory on home soil.

This Saturday sees another step on that journey take place with Ireland facing off against Wales in Donnybrook, with kickoff at 13:00.

Credit: Image Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Memories of October last and the mauling Ireland received at the hands of Argentina still leave me with an empty feeling in the pit of stomach. The Pumas ran in four tries and utterly dominated an Irish side depleted by injury and fresh out of ideas or answers. Images of bodies strewn all around, our heroes being stretchered and helped off by medics, our World Cup dreams shattered once again.

Now, as we poke our heads up from hiding out after a winter of storms we are faced with a worry or two. Paul O’Connell, our captain, our general, our rugby messiah, has hung up his green shirt for the last time. Three of the four provinces are struggling. Only Connacht is giving us something to be proud of. No Irish side in the quarter finals of the Champions Cup since 1998. Jesus. Not exactly the green shoots of Spring.
This year Ireland faces into a 6 Nations campaign that sees Wales coming to Dublin on Saturday February 6th followed by two away fixtures against England and France. In no uncertain terms, this is the toughest set of fixtures possibly ever faced by a newly minted Irish captain, that in the form of Ulster’s Rory Best. Don’t get me wrong, Best is a solid unit and has a proven record for performing on the big stage. However he now has to lead a strangely unfamiliar squad, one eroded by injury. Bowe, O’Mahony, Healy, Henderson, Henry, Fitzgerald, Ross, all in various states of recovery, none ready for war. fa

Schmidt has rightly decided to blood 4 new names, CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier, Ultan Dillane and Stuart McCloskey. Admittedly Stander and van der Flier are vastly experienced and will be powerful additions to the squad. As for Dillane and McCloskey, they are young and will undoubtedly need time. However, they have been given a great opportunity to lay claim to places on the starting 15. Bringing new caps into the fold is vital, especially now as Ireland moves into unchartered territory.

When Brian O’Driscoll retired we were reassured with the totemic presence of O’Connell. Now with O’Connell gone, we are nervously looking around wondering who we can turn to and just how bad things might be.

Maybe I am being too pessimistic. Maybe things are not as bad as they seem and we will, as recent history tells us, steamroll Wales in Dublin. Great, back to business as usual, hangover forgotten. Or maybe I am right. The Welsh forward line and scrum is stronger than ours. Without that foundation Ireland is going to find it very tough. If life does imitates art, you might say that O’Connell is our Jon Snow and Winter is Coming.

Image Credit: INPHO/Dan Sheridan