Aoife Dalton Proud of Her Roots Ahead of World Championship
Centre Aoife Dalton is ready to step into the global spotlight as Ireland return to the Rugby World Cup for the first time in eight years. The 22-year-old from Clara in County Offaly has already earned 24 caps and was voted Player of the Year last season. As Ireland prepare for their opening match against Japan on Sunday, Dalton says she remains incredibly grateful to the people and community who have supported her journey, especially her home club, Tullamore RFC.
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Support From Her Local Club and County
Dalton believes that coming from a small, hard-working county like Offaly has helped shape her values and mindset. She proudly speaks about Tullamore RFC and the incredible tradition the club has in producing provincial and international talent. The likes of Megan Burns, Nichola Fryday and Ailsa Hughes all emerged from the same club, and Dalton sees herself following in that legacy. She smiles when asked what it feels like to represent her town and county alongside other notable Offaly athletes like golfer Shane Lowry and racing driver Alex Dunne. She says Offaly may seem like a small place, but it constantly punches above its weight.
Grateful for Early Guidance and Encouragement
Dalton recalls that Tullamore RFC were one of the first clubs in Ireland to introduce a minis section for girls and she feels lucky to have been welcomed into the game in that way. Every time she’s named in a match-day squad, she hears messages of support from someone connected to the club. She also highlights how much she owes to her parents for their unwavering support. Growing up in a strong GAA family, she always assumed Gaelic football would be her path until an opportunity in rugby changed everything. Her parents were always ready to drive her anywhere she needed to go, and she credits them with making her dream possible.
Standout Performances Leading up to the World Cup
Dalton now plays her club rugby with Old Belvedere and Leinster, having made her international debut on the 2022 tour of Japan. Her development has been rapid. In 2023 she was named Young Player of the Year and followed that up with another impressive Six Nations campaign, which led to being voted Senior Player of the Year by her fellow players.
Building Confidence Ahead of Japan Test
She says her coaches have helped her understand her strengths and develop them over the past year. Coming into camp at just 19 years old, she admits she had a lot to learn, but her teammates gave her the confidence to express herself on the pitch. As Ireland look ahead to their opening match, Dalton is fully focused on the challenge Japan will bring. She notes their dangerous kicking game, high work-rate at the breakdown, and overall variety in attack. She knows Ireland will need to be fully prepared to meet those threats.
