The Irish Defence Forces will represent Ireland in the International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC) 2025 and will feature two women from Clare.
The competition, which will be held in the UK starting next week, will bring together elite teams from Armed Forces across the globe with events being hosted at iconic venues such as the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst and conclude with the Championship Final at Kingsholm stadium in Gloucester.
Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) Lieutenant Norah Murphy from Kilkishen and Gunner Patricia Coote from Inagh, a member of the Permanent Defence Forces, have both been selected for the competition
Lt. Murphy is Platoon Commander of E Company, 1st Infantry Battalion while Gnr. Coote is attached to 2nd Brigade Artillery will be heading to the UK with the Defence Forces team on the 14th August.
Lt. Murphy said: “The participation of Ireland’s Defence Forces woman’s team in this event is a proud and historic moment. It underlines the growing role of woman in both the military and in sport and offers a powerful platform to represent Ireland and the Irish Defence Forces on an international stage.”
This tournament highlights the skill, strength and leadership of women in the military all over the world and promotes equality and visibility, inspiring current and future generations of woman to pursue both military and sporting careers.
The teams taking part in the competition are the United Kingdom France, Zambia, Tonga, Fiji, Australia, Tonga and Vodafone Looseheadz.
Ireland’s Fixtures:
Round 1 – Ireland vs Zambia – August 17th
Round 2 – Ireland vs UK – August 21st
Round 3 – Ireland vs Tonga – August 25th
Anyone would be interested in a career in either the PDF or the RDF can find out more here.
