Ireland Rugby Captain, Fiona Coghlan announced as 'Sportswoman of the Month

Ireland Rugby captain, Fiona Coghlan has today been named The Irish Times / Irish Sports Council 'Sportswoman of the Month' for February 2013. Coghlan has successfully led her team to its first ever Six Nations Championships win.

This is the third time Coghlan has been awarded the accolade having achieved this in February 2011 and 2012. Coghlan earned this title after showing her strength and commitment as captain to the Irish team, who are now hoping to round off the Six Nations in style (and make it a St Patrick's Day to remember) by defeating Italy in Parabiago to complete a famous Grand Slam.

Commenting on her Six Nations glory Coghlan said, "Rugby has given me so many brilliant opportunities, so many wonderful experiences, I'd love more people to get that chance - if our success, and the exposure we're getting now, leads to more girls getting involved in the game, that would be the best thing of all."

The accolade of winning the Irish Times/Irish Sports Council 'Sportswoman of the Month' means Fiona will be the third of 12 sportswomen to be in the running for the prestigious title of 'Sportswoman of the Year' at an awards ceremony in December 2013.