Flo’s grandson is ‘scrum’ boy!

While the country is glued to Ireland’s exploits in the Rugby World Cup, one Ballymena woman has extra special reason to be prouder than most of one of the men in green.

Glenshesk Drive woman Florence Smith is the grandmother of Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris - and she is unsurprisingly bursting with pride about the giant forward’s achievements.

“I’m so proud of him, especially after they beat Australia last week,” explained Florence, who is more commonly known as Flo.

“I was laughing the other day after reading a newspaper article about that game which described Stephen as picking up one of the wee Australian fellas ‘like a bag of groceries’!

“I’ve watched all the Ireland matches in the World Cup - I wouldn’t miss them - and the Australia one has definitely been the best so far because it was so unexpected.”

While playing in the World Cup is the pinnacle of any rugby player’s career, Flo’s interest in her grandson’s career dates back much further.

“I’m on my 15th scrapbook now - as soon as I fill one I give it to Stephen’s mother, my daughter Linda.

“At Christmas he gave me one of his Ireland shirts from an international against England signed by all the team - it was the first time he had given away one of his shirts and I felt so honoured that he gave it to me.

“He doesn’t get down to see me very often because with his rugby and other publicity commitments he hasn’t a minute but he always rings me to keep in touch.

“I would text him as well but it’s too expensive to send texts to him in New Zealand at the minute so I keep in touch with him on Facebook - not bad for 78 years of age!” laughs Flo.

With Sunday’s victory over Russia taking Ireland to the verge of the competition’s knockout stage, Flo is hoping that Stephen and his team-mates can go on and win the entire tournament.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of Stephen than I am already but I would love to see Ireland go on and win it,” she added.