Athlone's McGann named in Irish rugby Six Nations squad
Athlone's Anna McGann is one of five players from the wider Midlands area to be named in the Ireland rugby squad for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
Head coach Scott Bemand confirmed his 36 player squad today (Wednesday) in advance of the Six Nations which starts next month.
The Moydrum native is joined by Ballinasloe's Beibhinn Parsons and Aoibheann O'Reilly from nearby Creagh, along with Offaly's Aoife Dalton and uncapped Roscommon player, Jemima Adams Verling, who plays with Creggs FC.
Anna McGann made her debut for Ireland in the Women's Six Nations in March 2022 and has remained an influential presence at senior rugby international level for her country since then.
Ballinasloe's Beibhinn Parsons and Aoibheann O'Reilly from nearby Creagh were also instrumental in last year's Six Nations and World Cup campaigns, despite both having battled significant injuries in recent times, with O'Reilly picking up two anterior cruciate ligament injuries and Parsons having to deal with two leg breaks in 2024.
Former Moate Community School student Aoife Dalton, who hails from Clara, was named Rugby Players Ireland Women's Players’ Player of the Year for 2025 after a brilliant Six Nations tournament where she started all five games, and she also cemented her authority on the game with standout performances for Ireland in last year'sWomen's Rugby World Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, Jemima Adams Verling has represented Ireland at U-20 level, producing a 'Player of the Match' display against Wales in the Six Nations Summer Series last year. She was also named on the starting panel for the game against France.
Ireland will open their championship campaign against England in Twickenham on Saturday, April 11 (kick-off 2.25pm), before hosting Italy at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday, April 18 (kick-off 5.40pm), in what will be the first Guinness Women’s Six Nations match in Galway.
Bemand’s charges then travel to France in Round 3 on Saturday, April 25 (kick-off 8.10pm), before concluding their tournament with back-to-back home games in Belfast and Dublin.
Wales are the visitors to Affidea Stadium on Saturday, May 9 (kick-off 6.30pm), before Scotland come to the Aviva Stadium on the final weekend on Sunday, May 17 (kick-off 2.30pm).