Lorraine gets her Irish cap

Lorraine gets her Irish cap

21 March 2018

LOUGHINISLAND woman Lorraine Colgan was recently presented with her Irish international rugby cap — 25 years after making her debut.

Lorraine was joined by over 100 other women to have played rugby for Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva stadium where they were presented with their international caps during a special ceremony organised by the IRFU.

Twenty five years after pulling on the revered green jersey for her debut for the Irish women’s team in their first ever international match against Scotland in Edinburgh, Lorraine was presented with her cap by IRFU president Philip Orr.

Originally from Drumaness, Lorraine who played under her maiden name Noade when the Irish women made history in 1993, was delighted to be part of the celebrations at the Aviva which captured widespread media attention.

A total of 112 players who represented Ireland between 1993 and 2005 prior to the Irish Women’s Rugby Football Union becoming integrated into the IRFU, were honoured at the event, with former players returning to Dublin form as far afield as New Zealand and Australia. Sadly, two former players have passed away.

“I was very proud to receive my cap and honoured to part of such a great team of players and friends,” said Lorraine.

“It has been fantastic to catch up with some people who I haven’t seen for almost 20 years and thanks go to the the IRFU in recognising the past players achievement in this way.”

Lorraine played her club rugby with Cooke WRFC at Shaws Bridge in Belfast and represented Ulster and Ireland in the second row between 1994 and 2000, winning 26 Irish caps.

She also captained Ulster during a successful playing career and on the international stage,  played in two World Cups and two European Championships.

Recently, Lorraine helped coach the Ballynahinch women’s rugby team and hopes to get back to coaching soon.