Kate Flannery taking advantage of big brother Jake's experience

Kate Flannery doesn't have far to go when she’s in need of an extra rugby tip or two.

Big brother Jake, who won a Grand Slam with Ireland Under-20s in 2019, plies his trade with Ulster where he has made 15 appearances since moving from Munster in 2022.

An All-Ireland League winner with UL Bohs last April, out-half Flannery is set to play a major role as Ireland Women U20s begin their Six Nations Summer Series campaign.

The new tournament takes place in Parma from 4-14 July with Niamh Briggs’ Irish side taking on England, Italy and Scotland.

"[Jake’s] been so helpful," said Tipperary woman Flannery.

"Even just doing the odd kicking session with me and even just seeing how resilient and motivated he’s been. That’s transferred to me and he’s taught me a lot on and off the pitch.

"It’s so handy [that we share the same position] when it comes to a review.

"I’ll send him a few clips and say, 'what do you think of this, what can I improve here?’ and vice versa so it’s really nice to have that support."

While many of the current Irish players took to rugby later or switched from other sports, Flannery is one of a young crop who grew up playing the sport, starting at the age of eight mixing it with the boys in Kilfeacle before joining Fethard RFC.

Talented in a number of codes, Flannery had a choice to make when she began to move up the age grades.

She said: "I played camogie up until under-16, I played with Tipperary for a few years and then I played minor football with Tipp.

"It was at that age, 16, 17, I came to the point it was hard to juggle both, having to commit the summer to either Munster underage of playing with Tipp.

"That was demanding as well with the training, so it was a decision [to be made] then.

"I had so many great