Connacht’s Deely welcomes Duffy addition
As her side prepare to do battle with Leinster in the opening round of the Women’s Interprovincial Championship at Energia Park this Saturday (kick-off 4.45pm), Connacht star Meabh Deely has welcomed the addition of Gavin Duffy to their coaching set-up.
A native of Ballina, Duffy had stints at full-back for the Connacht men’s team either side of a three-year stay in England with Harlequins – for whom he won a European Challenge Cup.
He also picked up 10 senior caps with Ireland and was part of their squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
While Duffy was announced as part of a coaching ticket assembled by his fellow Mayo native Emer O’Dowd for the 2024 campaign as far back as November of last year, it is only in more recent months that Deely has gotten an opportunity to work with Duffy on a consistent basis.
Meanwhile, having been involved in the 2023 interpros, former Ireland women’s international Larissa Muldoon is on board again as an assistant coach.
“Gavin is new this year. It’s the first time I’ve dealt with him. I’ve known Larissa a few years now and she’s great. Gavin has been a really good addition. I think he brings a wealth of experience. He’s our attack coach, so he’s got a lot of things up his sleeve for us.
“He’s also played full-back, which is find of helpful for me as well. It’s great to have him,” Deely explained.
When Connacht played host to Leinster in last year’s Interprovincial Championship, Deely scored a late try to secure a dramatic victory for the westerners.
Although this gives them confidence heading into their latest bout, that August 2023 clash showed the Ballinasloe woman how difficult interpro games can be for away sides.
“Last year we beat them, which was such an incredible day down in the Sportsground. The support and the crowd that was there really egged us on,” Deely added.
“I think this year coming into it, they’ll definitely be firing their guns for us. Because they know how we got them last year, but it’s always different on away soil as well. It will be a tough contest.”