Offaly woman named on rugby Six Nations team of the year

AN Offaly woman has crowned an excellent year by being named on the Six Nations team of the year.

Clara woman Aoife Dalton is one of three Irish players voted on to the team by the general public. The only player to play all 400 minutes in this year's Six Nations Championship, Dalton played at centre and her powerful surges and ability to carry the ball through contact won her many admirers.

A former Tullamore Rugby Club player, she has been selected alongside her Irish team mates, Neve Jones and Aoife Wafer, who was nominated for the player of the year.

The team also includes four English, four French, two Scottish and two Italian players. The Six Nations was won by England with Ireland third after two wins and three losses. Dalton was player of the match in the big win over Italy.

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Dalton now has 23 Irish caps and has scored 7 tries in the Six Nations. Over 12,000 people voted for the team and Dalton comes from a great Clara sporting family.

Her father Tony played minor and U21 football for Offaly, winning Senior Football Championship medals with Clara while he is the current Clara GAA chairman. Brother Marcas is on the Offaly senior football panel this year, featuring in some games.