Gemma’s passion for rugby first started when she was in first class at Rahealty National School. She was a frequent recipient of player of the year during her time at the school.

Rahealty National School has a very strong relationship with Thurles Rugby Club, being the only officially affiliated rugby feeder school for TRFC. Hence, the natural progression for Gemma was to go to Thurles RFC.

Gemma soon found her feet playing U13 mixed rugby. Whilst playing with U13 boys she also received player of the year. Shortly after she moved up to U16 girls and within a very short length of time she captained the U16 girls. At the age of 15 Gemma moved up to U18 and also captained the U18 girls through a very successful time for girl’s rugby at Thurles RFC, a position which Gemma held for the next 2 years.

At the age of 15, and by now a prolific try scorer, Gemma’s potential earned her recognition at Provincial level as she was selected by Munster Rugby, on the Munster U18 Girls team and held her position at out half from 2012 to present.

During her time playing U16 and U18 with Thurles Rugby Club Gemma has, to date received numerous player awards including: Player of the year at U16 and U18 level. She was also this year, the worthy recipient of the George Hyland Memorial Trophy, an accolade awarded to the best youth player across all underage teams at

Thurles RFC, a high honour indeed for Gemma and her family, and testament to Gemma’s outstanding achievements to date

Having successfully gone through the Munster U 18 set up Gemma set her sights on the international scene, and was sent forward by her club for trials for the Irish U18 7’s team where she made it through a screening programme involving over 250 players and eventually making the final cut of 12 girls

Gemma proved herself worthy of her selection when she was introduced off the bench in Ireland’s first game and was picked to start in the remaining 5 games at the European Championships in Liege, Belgium. against Spain, Wales twice, England and Holland.

Gemma is currently playing with the Thurles RFC Women’s team who are sitting on top of DIV 1 with a superb win over Shannon RFC on Sunday at UL, where Gemma also scored one of Thurles’ 8 tries

Gemma was this week presented the 2015 Thurles Sports Person of the Year Award, The shortlist for this award was comprised of a very strong panel of nominees from the Thurles Area

We, at Thurles Rugby Club are very proud of all Gemma’s achievements to date and we are confident of a bright future for this fine athlete. We would like to congratulate Gemma, her coaches and her family on her selection as the 2015 Thurles Sports Person of the Year