Heffernan named in Ireland squad for Guinness Women’s Six Nations

Mullingar's Katie Heffernan has been named in the Ireland squad for this year's Guinness Women’s Six Nations, which getss underway next month.

Katie, who is one of eight uncapped in the Irish squad, has been a mainstay in the Irish Sevens squad for a number of years and in recent months impressed in the Celtic Challenge.

The Ireland squad also includes Clara native Aoife Dalton, who is a past pupil of Moate Community School and Athlone native Ivana Kiripati (daughter of former Buccaneers player and coach Kolo Kiripati), who is one of seven players included in a wider training panel.

Ireland will open their Six Nations campaign away to France at Stade Marie-Marvingt in Le Mans on Saturday, March 23 (kick-off 3.15pm), before facing Italy at home in the RDS on Easter Sunday, March 31 (3pm).

After a weekend off, the campaign resumes with another home game in Cork's Musgrave Park against Wales on Saturday, April 13 (4.45pm). Scott Bemand's side will then be away to England in Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, April 20 (2.15pm).

Ireland will conclude their Championship at home in Kingspan Stadium, Belfast against Scotland on Saturday, April 27 (2.30pm). All of Ireland's games will be shown live on either RTÉ or Virgin Media.

Commenting on the squad announcement, Ireland head coach Scott Bemand said: "We are excited for this group of players who will represent Ireland in the upcoming Guinness Women’s Six Nations. The WXV3 and the Celtic Challenge preparation has been vital for our development and expanding our player pool. On the back of the success of the Women’s Sevens side, we are chasing potential through this group of players and we are all looking to perform in a high quality competition.

"With three home games in Ireland, we are looking forward to connecting with the fan base and playing in front of home crowds in Dublin, Cork and Belfast and would urge everyone to get behind the team and show their support for the Women’s team."