Irish star’s retirement from international rugby could be good news for Dublin GAA

"I never imagined where this journey would take me."

Hannah Tyrell and Katie Fitzhenry have both announced that they will be retiring from international rugby, but this decision from Tyrrell in particular could be a huge plus for the Dublin ladies' football team. Last week, Tyrell marked her return to Gaelic football scoring an impressive 1-5 against Waterford in Parnell Park, giving the reigning All-Ireland champions plenty to be excited about for the season ahead. However, given her excellent performances in the Women's Six Nations for Ireland, which included a player of the match performance against Wales, it seemed as though Dublin would only have the fly-half for a limited period, with the rugby season kicking off again soon. That was until the multi-talented athlete announced her retirement from international rugby today stating that: "It has been an absolute privilege to wear the green jersey and I will cherish the memories and friendships made throughout my career with Ireland.

"I never imagined where this journey would take me. Getting to play rugby for Ireland in both Sevens and XVs, getting to travel the world to play on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, getting to play in a home World Cup, getting to play at Rugby World Cup Sevens and being part of a Six Nations-winning squad will forever be some of my greatest sporting memories."

The 30-year-old played 103 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series games for Ireland, scoring 99 points, while she also featured for Anthony Eddy's side at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco. Bad news for one team is often good news for another and Dublin GAA will no doubt hope this means the midfielder will be shifting her focus for the upcoming GAA season, as the Blues try to retain their title. Amazingly, Tyrell actually began her inter-county career as a goalkeeper, so if you weren't feeling inadequate in comparison before, then that should probably tip you over the edge. Just because her journey in green appears to be over, doesn't mean the Dubliner is going to stop being involved with rugby. She added: "I will be fully behind Adam [Griggs] and the team on their journey to qualify for next year's World Cup in New Zealand, and I will always remain their biggest supporter."