Mother and daughter line out for Ballina

FAMILY TIES Margaret Walsh and her daughter Amy McWilliams from Belmullet are pictured after playing for the Ballina women's team last Saturday evening.

Michael Gallagher

HISTORY was made in Heffernan Park, the home of Ballina RFC on Saturday night when mother and daughter Margaret Walsh and Amy McWilliams lined out for the hosts in the Connacht Women’s League.
The Belmullet duo were part of the home side defeated by a talented Westport outfit and afterwards there was great excitement when their achievement was noted by those in attendance.
Club President, Mrs Deirdre Whyte was loud in her praise for the duo and all involved on a special day for the Moyside club. “To have Margaret and Amy playing on the one team is just wonderful. The two of them bring so much energy to the club and I’d like to congratulate them on a very special achievement.
“We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly, totally inclusive club based in the community and anyone present in Heffernan Park today will certainly understand that.
“Earlier in the day our senior men defeated Malahide in the All Ireland League with a squad made up of all home-grown players who came through the ranks here and this evening we also had our women play a fine Westport team on our beautiful new all-weather facility with a team made up of players from all across our catchment area.
“The work that’s being done here in the club at all levels from Mini Rugby through Girls and Youths all the way to the senior teams just takes your breath away. Our facilities are amazing and getting even better by the day and Ballina Rugby Club is a very exciting place to be right now,” she added.
After the match, Margaret Walsh expressed her delight at lining out alongside her daughter. “Amy played with the Connacht Under-18 team this year and to get the chance to play on the same team as her tonight was special. My son Thomas was playing with the Under-13 team earlier in the day, so it has been a memorable few hours.
“I’d like to encourage other women to come along and play too. there’s no upper age limit and it’s very enjoyable,” the Belmullet woman added.