Former Galway ladies football star Claire Molloy has announced her retirement from international rugby.

The 33-year-old doctor earned 74 caps in a 12-year career with Ireland, during which she won the Grand Slam in 2013 and the Six Nations in 2015. Her final appearance in the green jersey came in last Sunday's heartbreaking 20-18 defeat by Scotland in Parma which ended Ireland's hopes of qualifying for next year's World Cup in New Zealand.

Prior to embarking on her rugby career, Molloy played in Galway's 2005 All-Ireland senior ladies football final defeat to Cork, but did have the consolation of winning an All-Ireland minor title in the same year. 

She said: “12 years in the green shirt; not the ending I would have wanted. So many memories, priceless highs and some rock-bottom lows.

“To all the coaches, physios, team managers, S&Cs and all the backroom staff, thank you for guiding me along the way, and often patching me back together at times. To the players I’ve shared the pitch with, it’s been an honour. So many fantastic inspiring women I get to call friends.

“To my best supporters, my Mum and Dad, thank you for following me all over the world to watch.”

 

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