NIAMH Gallagher crowned her international debut for the Ireland Women’s’ U20s team with a stunning tackle that prevented an almost certain try for the Emerging Red Roses of England on the opening day of the Six Nations Summer Series at Parma in Italy, writes Jonathan Landi.

The Enfield Tigers' graduate certainly did very well to be elevated to the match day squad against one of the most powerful sides in the competition, and she was introduced to the fray in the 58th minute.

The combative performance certainly augurs well for the first of the tournament, and, hopefully, Niamh will get further game in the remaining fixtures against the host nation Italy (July 9) and Scotland (July 14).

She said: "It was an unforgettable experience and, despite the result, it was a very proud moment [for me] - playing in the green jersey."

This was always going to be a tough ask for the Emerald Isle team against the more cohesive England, and with Amelia MacDougall (the sister of our Tom MacDougall) pulling the strings shrewdly at fly-half, the Red Roses rocketed their way to 26-5 half-time lead.

If anything, England’s first-half domination would have been even greater were it not for the fact that they had a try chalked off for obstruction.

However, an Irish side, invariably a threat with the ball in hand, had their moments and fly-half Kate Flannery ran a lovely line before releasing a deft inside pass to supporting Chisom Ugwueru, with the latter tucking away her opportunity with aplomb.

England also came calling in the second-half and a try from Lia Green extended the Red Roses’ lead, but they could make no further in-roads due to Ireland’s defensive resolve as the contest became far more even.

Ireland also signed off with a well taken second try, scored by Hannah Clarke, on the 70th minute as the latter latched on to a perfectly weighted kick which caused mayhem in the England defence.

It was a performance which will have greatly heartened the Irish coaching team as the Emerald Isle team laid down a marker for the rest of the tournament.