Ireland picked up their first win of the 2022 Women's Six Nation with a 29-8 victory over Italy at Musgrave Park on Sunday evening.
Lucy Mulhall, Neve Jones, Eve Higgins and Kate O'Dwyer all touched down for Ireland tries, while Greg McWilliams's side also earned a penalty try.
"The last three weeks have been tough," Player of the Match Sam Monaghan told RTÉ.
"I don't think we've played the rugby that we thought we could play. We did the hard work this week, and knew we could put on a show for this fantastic crowd.
"We've had the support the last couple of weeks. We just wanted to do it for everyone here, especially for all the Munster girls. We're delighted to have a win down here.
"Even since we set foot in Cork, everyone has been so nice. The hotel, when we went for coffee - everyone has been so supportive. Everyone backed us, and we just wanted to show today that we could do the country proud."
Clever run by Eve Higgins and a penalty try extends Ireland's lead over Italy
Ireland 24-3 Italy
Watch: https://t.co/SQaBnD5aco
Updates: https://t.co/hQz3u6d4eJ #irevita pic.twitter.com/TTtTeRXUMj— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) April 10, 2022
Ireland face England at Welford Road in the next round before playing at home to Scotland in their final match. They had already lost to Wales in their opening match, and also against France in Toulouse.
"The backs, Amee-Leigh, I thought she deserved this today," continued Monaghan.
"The other girls, they put on a fantastic performance. We still have a lot to work on. England in two weeks. It's going to be a big week, this week.
"This is just the start. This is momentum building. This is the first step of the rest of our journey. We're really excited for the next couple of weeks."
Player of the match Sam Monaghan felt the victory over Italy was an important "first step" for Ireland #rterugby pic.twitter.com/kzEOq7eQlF
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) April 10, 2022
Featured image: 10 April 2022; Ireland players acknowledge supporters after the Tik Tok Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at Musgrave Park in Cork. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
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