New Ross RFC has produced another first for the town with Kathryn Dempsey recently being capped for Leinster under 18 girls in the annual inter-provincial series.
Kathryn is the first female from the club to reach representative level and her achievement is made more impressive as she is just 16 and a year younger than most of the other Leinster squad members.
New Ross RFC girls’ manager, Deborah McGrath, has been glowing in her praise for the newest recruit to the Leinster ranks.
“Kathryn has been a key member of the New Ross RFC squad. Since starting at under 16 level in 2016, Kathryn has gone from strength to strength. It was clear from the start the Kathryn had the drive and determination needed to progress up the ranks to Leinster.
“Kathryn’s career began in the forwards, but she has finally found a home in the number 12 jersey. She has a great skill for finding a gap and her breaks have created too many scoring chances to count. She is a pleasure to coach and is a great role model for younger girls in the Club.
“Kathryn is now part of the under 18 squad, a fantastic group of girls – coaches and management are very proud of Kathryn’s achievements and commend the sacrifices made to further her rugby career.”
Kathryn’s mother, Niamh, outlined some of the commitment needed. “She started playing in September 2016. Derek Furness, Debbie McGrath, John Boy Cullen and John Brennan were the coaches. They got to a Leinster Cup semi-final that season and were beaten by Enniscorthy. She’s 16 since May and was second youngest in the Leinster team. Kathryn held down the starting position in the three interprovincial games at no 12. She scored a try in Ulster match which was played in Portadown.
Training for Leinster was in Barnhall every Saturday and Wednesday from the end of July. The initial squad was 43 which was then brought to 28. Kathryn has attended the Leinster school of excellence both summers since she started playing rugby and this has certainly progressed and honed her skills. She also plays camogie and football for Horeswood.”
Club President, David Burke, has offered his congratulations to Kathryn on her achievement and wished her well in her future rugby career. He has also thanked the coaches from New Ross who have nurtured and developed her talent as well as paying tribute to her parents, Niamh and James, for the sacrifices required to enable her full participation in provincial training. “We hope that one day soon, she might follow in the footsteps of Tadhg Furlong and wear the national jersey as a proud member of New Ross Rugby Football Club,” said Mr. Burke.