Strabane Lionesses take the field for the first time

JUST three months ago, the Strabane Lioness rugby team came together for the very first time.

Most of the girls had never picked up a rugby ball before – but they showed up, committed to learning, and kept coming back with grit and determination.

At the weekend, all that hard work came to life as the Lionesses played their first ever tournament at the Carrick 7s.

“We may not have come away with wins on the scoreboard, but we left with something far more important – pride, team spirit, and a glimpse of just how much potential lives in this group,” beamed a club spokesperson.

The girls tackled fearlessly, supported one another, and played with heart in every single game. There were laughs, bruises, and moments of magic – and above all, a sense that something really exciting has started for women’s sport in Strabane.

“A special thanks must go to Stacey Sloan, our head coach, whose dedication and passion have been instrumental in building this team. Her approach to coaching and her positivity off the field have made a massive difference in helping the Lionesses thrive. The growth we’ve seen already is a reflection of her incredible leadership.”

Team captain, Ellie Duffy, added: “Yesterday [Sunday] was a huge milestone for women’s rugby in Strabane as we played our first ever sevens tournament together, and our first ever match!.

“As captain, I couldn’t be prouder of this team. Most of us have only been training together for a short time, and yet we came out and gave everything from the first whistle to the last without fear.

“We supported each other, tackled hard and kept the team spirits high throughout the whole day. It has marked the beginning of something truly special for women’s sport in Strabane.

“Having the support from our coaches and feeling the energy from my teammates, it’s clear we’re building more than just a team – we’re building a community.

“This is only the start. I’m so excited to see where we can go from here. The potential in this squad is incredible, and I have no doubt we’ll grow stronger with every training session and match. Women’s rugby in Strabane is on the rise, and I couldn’t be more honoured to lead such a committed group of players into this new chapter.