On Saturday, January 14, Munster Rugby secured a 26-17 win over rivals Leinster in the Women’s Interprovincial Championship, but there was cause for celebration beyond the victory. This is because after the final whistle, still on the pitch at Musgrave Park, second-row Clodagh O’Halloran got down on one knee and proposed to her girlfriend, teammate and Irish international Chloe Pearse.
Surrounded by their fellow squad members and staff, Chloe said yes through tears of joy, leading to an eruption of excitement and emotion from onlookers. The happy couple were congratulated by their teammates, with Munster Rugby also sharing the news on Twitter.
“So there was some extra special scenes here in Musgrave Park as Clodagh O’Halloran proposed to Chloe Pearse,” the team wrote.
“She said Yes! Congratulations Clodagh and Chloe!”
So there was some extra special scenes here in Musgrave Park as Clodagh O’Halloran proposed to Chloe Pearse! ??
She said yes!
Congratulations Clodagh and Chloe! #SUAF ? pic.twitter.com/dKkjoJ8sMQ
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) January 14, 2023
Fans were quick to join in the celebrations, with the tweet garnering over 5,300 likes and 94 replies, and the corresponding Instagram post receiving 356 comments.
One person said, “Ahhhh my face is leaking. This is so good. So, so good. Congratulations, you wonderful pair!”
Others wished the couple many years of health, happiness and love, with many noting the “magic” of their teammates’ faces reacting to the moment.
Although undoubtedly soaking in the occasion, the players’ focus must now return to the sport as their triumph over Leinster sets them up for an exciting fixture this coming weekend. On Saturday, January 21, Munster will take on Connacht in The Sportsground in Galway, and should The Red Army emerge victorious, they will win and retain their Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial crown.
Captain Maeve Óg O’Leary believes that the team is brewing “something special” at the moment, as they hold a five-point lead at the top of the table. However, Munster has not won back-to-back titles since 2015, so it will be by no means an easy feat.
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