Empowering pupils through sport of rugby

Girls from Ulidia Integrated College were delighted to try their hand at rugby when Ulster and Ireland player Grace Davitt visited the school.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Oct 2014, 14:38 BST
Ireland International rugby player Grace Davitt with Ulidia Integrated College vice-principal Mrs Bonar and students Niambh Ogle and Enya Maguire. INCT 42-108-GRIreland International rugby player Grace Davitt with Ulidia Integrated College vice-principal Mrs Bonar and students Niambh Ogle and Enya Maguire. INCT 42-108-GR
Ireland International rugby player Grace Davitt with Ulidia Integrated College vice-principal Mrs Bonar and students Niambh Ogle and Enya Maguire. INCT 42-108-GR

Teacher Miss McKee, who played alongside Grace for a year at Cooke Rugby Club, invited the international player into the college.

Grace, who demonstrated her skills and answered questions, wanted to show pupils that they could be empowered by playing the sport of rugby.

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Replying to one question, Grace said: “It’s not how many times you have been knocked down, but how many times you get back up!”

Coupled with the rules of rugby, pupils also learned fitness and strengthening skills.

2014 has been a memorable year for Grace as she won her 50th Ireland cap against Italy and made four successive starts in a centre partnership with Lynne Cantwell at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. She also scored a try against France and was part of the squad that finished fourth in the tournament.

The Ulidia girls were invited to Carrickfergus Rugby Football Club last week to get a taste for rugby and play with other schools.

Related topics:UlsterIrelandFranceItaly