The Irish international rugby 'trailblazer' and her legacy of cancer awareness
Rosie Stewart played for Ireland and was a founding member of Ulster Women's Rugby but died after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
In 2003, Rosie Stewart, a pioneering Irish international rugby player, passed away at the young age of 33. Stewart, hailing from Londonderry, made history by earning four caps for Ireland between 1999 and 2000 and was a founding member of Ulster Women's Rugby. Sadly, she succumbed to breast cancer in 2004. To honor her memory and raise awareness for female health, a memorial match is held annually in her name, known as the Rosie Stewart Memorial Bowl.
Each year, Stewart's former club Cooke faces off against Enniskillen in the home city of Derry, accompanied by Stewart's sister Colette Risely, father John Gallagher, and husband Adrian. The event features a women's health discussion led by Western Trust's Jacinta McCool and fitness coach Claire O'Hagan, who focus on breast and cervical cancer awareness.
For Kelly Gormley, a player for City of Derry women's rugby club, Stewart was a trailblazer in her efforts to grow the women's game. Gormley believes that the increase in women playing rugby in Northern Ireland is a testament to Stewart's impact. She notes that Stewart was a pioneer who knocked down doors before women's rugby even gained recognition, and the growth of rugby teams in the region is a direct result of her efforts.
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