Judy Bobbett from Ratoath in County Meath achieved a childhood dream by winning a cap for Ireland in a November International at the weekend.
The 19-year-old played for over a half in the game against Wales at UCD. They lost 15-13, despite leading heading in the final stages of the game by 10 points.
“I had about 20 family members from my mum’s side and friends from back home in Ashbourne and Ratoath," she said after the game to IrishRugby.ie. There was a big crowd here and I think I just about got around to everyone for a photo.
"But it’s special, yeah. When the final whistle went I was extremely disappointed but when you walk over and you get a few minutes with your family, it brings you back to why you do it again and reinforces your purpose.
“It’s nice to see them and it’s a big day for them. They know this was my dream since I was younger and I think they enjoyed it just as much as I did.”
However, despite the elation of making her debut in the green jersey at senior level, she says her focus has now switched to the Six Nations in the spring as well as qualifying for the 2021 World Cup that takes place in New Zealand.
“I was the sub goalkeeper for last year’s All-Ireland final. But you can’t balance both. I actually had the Leinster Under-18 interpros on the Saturday and then the All-Ireland final in Croke Park with Meath on the Sunday.
“I was straight into rehab after our interpro match and then up to Croke Park the next day. I was glad I got the opportunity to wear the Meath jersey but the dream was always to wear the Ireland jersey and I’ve done that.”
Ireland's first outing in the 2020 Six Nations is on Sunday, February 2nd at Energia Park in Donnybrook against Scotland. Despite winning the competition outright in 2015 as well as a Grand Slam in 2013, Ireland finished a disappointing fifth last year.
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