Ireland U18s Ladies completed a clean sweep in the four Nations 7s tournament at Birmingham University. Local girl Katie Hetherington from Clogher Valley RFC was part of the victorious Irish 7s squad who have had a very successful few months, winning their second four Nations tournament and coming third in France earlier in the year. Katie who plays with Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Clogher Valley and Ulster got her opportunity to represent Ireland at Birmingham in this very talented team of 7s players.
First up was Wales, who gave the Irish team a scare with their direct running and slick passing, but eventually Ireland took control and won 29 – 20. Next up was the favourites, England who always pose a threat. On this occasion Ireland took them apart and ran in five tries to England’s one, winning 31 -7. To wrap up the first day’s matches Ire;and defeated Scotland 35-5.
In the semi-final on the second day, Ireland as the top side faced Scotland who were the 4th placed team. Scotland, with nothing to lose, threw all at the Irish taking the lead after two minutes. 
After the initial scare, Ireland took control and came away the winners 26-5. England in the other semi-final overcome Wales to set up an interesting final. In the final Ireland started strong, quickly scoring three tries to lead at half time 21-5. But the English were not rolling over. This talented side worked their way up the pitch off-loading the ball in the tackle and came back with two tries. With the score 21-19 and two minutes to go, there was nervous Irish supporters closely watching the clock tick down the last few minutes. But the Irish girls held out with a strong defence and capitalised on an English mistake, sprinting in to score under the posts. Ireland came out winners 28 – 19 with local girl Hetherington playing her part.