Stay Active with Ellen Murphy
Irish International Rugby player, Longford’s Ellen Murphy tells us about her sport, training and how she is managing with the disruption to training and playing caused by COVID 19.
What age did you take up your sport and why?
I started playing rugby at 18, in my second year of college in UCC just as a way of keeping fit over the winter months for GAA.
When did you first realise you had a special talent in your chosen sport?
When I got selected to play for Munster in my second year ever of playing rugby.
Who has had a big influence on your sport career so far?
My parents have had the biggest influence on my career. They’ve driven me the length and breadth of the country for training and games and their support is unwavering both on and off the field.
What is a typical training week for you?
Club training twice a week, gym 2-3 times a week, skills sessions and conditioning twice a week, kicking session 3 times a week and if we’re involved with Ireland, we’re in camp Friday-Sunday (5 sessions per weekend).
What is your favourite training workout?
I can’t say I’m too fond of the gym, but I do like conditioning sessions with longer runs in a set.
What’s your favourite event / competition?
The 6 nations has to be my favourite.
What is your most cherished or proudest moment in sport?
My first cap v England in Twickenham. Twickenham is such an historic place and to play there against England on a double header with the men v Australia was unbelievable. We got to walk out to 82,000 people and the Aussie men’s team cheering us on as we left the tunnel. Absolutely surreal.
What advice would you give a young sports person who is taking up sport for the first time?
It’ll honestly be the best decision you will ever make and master the basics early on.
Most memorable sporting moment by somebody in
Your own sport?
Rugby- Niamh Briggs kicking the winning penalty against the black ferns in 2014. First time an Irish team had beaten New Zealand and first time the black ferns had lost in a world cup.
Another sport?
Katie Taylor winning gold in London 2012 or the Irish hockey team getting to a World Cup Final.
Who is your sporting ‘hero’? (In your own sport or another sport)
Longford - Paul Barden
Irish – Rena Buckley
International – Dan Carter (New Zealand)
What is your next goal?
To win the world cup qualifiers at the end of the year and to go to WRWC New Zealand 2021
How are you motivating yourself to continue training at these difficult times?
Set short term goals day to day and week to week to continue to improve and become as much of an all- round player as I can. I’m really trying to improve my mobility and flexibility during lockdown so that I can move better when running and lifting and, on the pitch, when we eventually get back playing. There’s a world cup next year that we must still qualify for so that’s keeping me motivated to continue to work and train hard every day.
Thank you, Ellen, for giving us an insight into your sport and training. We are looking forward to seeing you back on International duty for Ireland soon and continuing to make all of Longford proud.
Your welcome, I’m happy to be involved and would like to thank everybody that has supported and encouraged me so far in my career.
