Last week Steve Malone, Sports Editor of the The Newry Democrat caught up with me for a quick interview on World Cup preparations, training and how I’m finding the experience as a whole.
Some very early morning photos were taken to accompany the article, luckily they’re not available with the on-line piece 
JUST over 12 months ago Rathfriland’s Eliza Downey captained Down Ladies to their first ever promotion to Division One of the National League.
But she has added perhaps an even greater feather in her cap after being called up for the Irish Ladies Rugby World Cup squad.
The Ladies Rugby World Cup takes place in England in August, where Ireland face tough opposition from the hosts, as well as the USA and Kazakhstan.
Downey decided to take a year out from the ladies football scene to concentrate on rugby and after making her international debut earlier this season, the Rathfriland woman has already secured her place in a 23-woman squad, which is a phenomenal achievement. And at the moment she is still pinching herself in disbelief.
“It hasn’t really hit me yet. It is one of those things that until we actually get over there it probably wont hit home,” said Downey.
“It will be then that I’ll probably realise that I am playing in a World Cup and getting the chance to represent my country on the world stage.”
“Maybe then I’ll realise it is the highest accolade I can achieve and hopefully I play well in front of my peers and international players.”
Read the rest of the interview here …
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