IRELAND fell to a heavy 5-49 defeat against England on Saturday in the latest round of their Women’s Six Nations campaign.
Fresh from their emphatic 52-12 win over Italy, Scott Bemand’s squad arrived with renewed determination — a stark contrast to the side that had opened the tournament.
In front of 7,756 spectators at Cork’s Virgin Media Park, the hosts were hungry for an upset against an England side unbeaten by Ireland for over a decade.
And for a brief spell, they got it.
After 24 relatively quiet minutes, Munster’s own Amee-Leigh Costigan etched her name into the record books, becoming the first Irish woman to score against England in six and a half years. Although Dannah O’Brien’s conversion attempt didn’t find its mark, Ireland held a short-lived lead.
That lead was overturned when Morwenna Talling grounded the ball following a tight maul, with Zoe Harrison adding the extras.
With the score at 5-7 heading into the break, there was cautious optimism among the home fans that an upset might still be on the cards. That mood was briefly buoyed early in the second half when Jess Breach had a try ruled out.
But the reprieve didn’t last long. Harrison spotted a gap and darted through the Irish defence for a try she duly converted. Moments later, Abby Dow capitalised on confusion in the Irish ranks after an earlier challenge by Ellie Kildunne, finding Megan Jones in space. Jones finished comfortably, with Harrison once again adding the conversion.
England began to pull away, led by Sarah Bern, who stormed over the line despite a committed effort by Neve Jones to halt the move. Harrison kept her flawless kicking streak intact.
Bern struck again shortly after, diving beneath the posts, with Harrison making it five from five. The gap widened further when Kildunne — the tournament’s current top try-scorer — raced clear of the Irish defence to touch down. Another two points followed via Harrison’s boot.
There was a milestone moment for Kelsey Clifford, who ran in her first try for England, again under the posts. Harrison, reliable as ever, sealed the conversion.
Ireland now turn their attention to Wales, whom they will face on April 20 at Newport’s Rodney Parade.
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