Rugby-loving NI sports journalist has ‘dream come true’ as she covers first Ireland match

Orla Chennaoui reports on her inaugural rugby match in Ireland. Photo credit: @sportsorla on Instagram.

A sports broadcaster from Northern Ireland expressed that covering her first Ireland rugby match on Saturday was a childhood dream realized. She mentioned how rugby is one of the rare sports that unites both communities in the region.

TNT Sport reporter Orla Chennaoui expressed her excitement on social media after reporting from the sidelines during Ireland’s impressive 52-17 win against Fiji at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, where she was alongside Irish rugby icons Brian O'Driscoll and Simon Zebo.

“Yesterday was truly a dream come true for me, just like something a little girl would imagine. I've spent many years in top-level sports, but this was my first opportunity to report on an Ireland rugby match,” Chennaoui shared on Instagram.

Can I tell you a tale about Ireland and the reason I developed a passion for rugby as a child? It’s because it was one of the few sports that united us as a country while I was growing up.

"I grew up as a Catholic in a Northern Ireland that was torn apart by deep divisions and conflict. My passion for Gaelic sports was rooted in my community and family, but rugby was one of the rare sports that united both sides."

While growing up in Draperstown, a mostly Catholic village in County Derry, the former all-Ireland triple jump champion remembered how she would enthusiastically sing Amhrán na bhFiann at Gaelic football games. However, she noted that the rugby anthem had a distinct feel.

"It was a song of sports that resonated with everyone, especially within the rugby community," she stated.

She mentioned, "I have always taken pride in being both Irish and Northern Irish, and this is one of the rare sports where I didn't have to pick a side."

"My passion for rugby is strongly connected to my admiration for the Irish team. Being there on the sidelines and having the opportunity to report on the game with legends like @brianodriscoll and @simonzebo was an extraordinary experience. Plus, it was a whole lot of fun!"

She remarked, “It was a delightful day from beginning to end, and I truly hope you had a great time with us.”