Munster and Ireland’s Eimear Considine has spoken of her “incredible journey” after she announced her retirement from rugby.
Despite making a fairytale return to the international fray this year during Ireland’s historic WXV campaign, after becoming a mother, Considine has decided to draw the curtain on a remarkable sporting career.
A talented sportswoman, Considine played both camogie and Gaelic football before picking up rugby at the age of 23.
She was initially recruited into the Irish Women’s Sevens programme, playing for the team from 2013 to 2016.
A competitive Sevens debut came in June 2015 at the Rugby Europe Women’s Sevens Grand Prix Series in Kazan and she was in the Irish squad for the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai and São Paulo the following season.
Considine made her Munster debut against Ulster in December 2016 in that season’s Inter-provincial Championship. She then went on to earn a further 14 caps for the province.
Just a few months after her Munster debut, Considine earned her first Ireland XVs cap as a replacement against Scotland in the 2017 Women’s Six Nations.
She has since gone on and played a further 24 times including during the recent WXV1 campaign.
At club level she joined Limerick side UL Bohemian in 2016, winning her
first All Ireland League title just a year later.
She welcomed her son Caolán in January 2023 and only three months later she was back on the pitch with her UL Bohs team-mates.
Unfortunately, her season ended prematurely as an ACL injury in the Inter-provincial Championship sidelined her for a further year.
But this challenge did not deter her as she worked her way back into this season’s Munster squad, making two appearances including the Inter-pro Final against Leinster.
Her performances quickly earned her a call-up by Scott Bemand for this year’s WXV tournament in Canada.
Speaking about her departure, Considine said: “At the age of 23, I was given an opportunity to play rugby. I had no idea back then of the incredible journey that lay ahead.
“But now, after 10 years, I feel it’s time that the journey ends.
“To all my coaches throughout the years at Bohs, Munster and Ireland, thank you for backing me.
“To all my team-mates, I have made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
“To my family, especially Dean, it wouldn’t have been possible without your support and patience.
“To all the supporters, you’ve been there through thick and thin and I look forward to joining you from here on out.”