Mayo native Ann elected first female president of Connacht Rugby

A Mayo woman has become the first female to become president of Connacht Rugby.

Ann Heneghan, a native of Partry, was elected to the post at the virtual annual general meeting of the organisation.

She served as senior vice-president and junior president for the previous two seasons.

The 53-year-old Galway-based solicitor, who also has an office in Claremorris, is widely known in rugby circles, having fulfilled many administrative roles since starting out at Ballinrobe RFC, where three of her brothers played.

Initially providing weekly rugby reports to The Connaught Telegraph, Ann became the first female elected as a Connacht branch delegate 30 years ago.

Secretary to the Connacht Junior squad, a member and subsequent chairman of the disciplinary committee, and the first chairperson of the Connacht Rugby Supporters’ Club are all roles in which has excelled.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, Ann now hopes her election will inspire more women to get involved in the sport.

"I have been involved in rugby for a lot of years and so it's a huge honour for me. My hope now in reaching a position like this would be to inspire women to reach higher roles in rugby and not to have the thought that rugby is still a man's game.

"It is possible to break through and create a role for yourself in the game. Connacht Rugby have been very supportive of me all the way through and delighted to take up this role with them.

"Hopefully, a couple of trophies in the cabinet would be nice as well as seeing fans back in The Sportsground, where everyone can enjoy the game again safely."