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Six Nations rugby… Ireland’s nine try win witnessed by record crowd in Galway

18 April 2026; Robyn O'Connor of Ireland celebrates after scoring her side's fourth try during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

IRELAND secured their first victory of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations 2026 in fine style in front of a record crowd of 9,206 at a sunny Dexcom Stadium on Saturday evening.

An incredible seven try first half blitz that included a hatrick for Beibhinn Parsons and a try on debut for Robyn O’Connor saw Ireland lead 45-10 at half time. 

Emily Lane, Aoife Wafer and El Perry all added to the try tally in the first half.

Italy came out battling in the second half but Cliodhna Moloney McDonald and Brittany Hogan added two more tries to keep Ireland well ahead. 

Dannah O’Brien kicked six conversions to leave the final score 57-20. 

Robyn O’Connor of Ireland celebrates after scoring her side’s fourth try Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
Emily Lane of Ireland scores her side’s first try Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
Béibhinn Parsons Ireland scores her side’s fifth try Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile