'Believing is one thing, doing is another' - McMahon

Ireland co-captain Edel McMahon said her side cannot "get too ahead of" themselves before facing Italy in Rome on Sunday.

Scott Bemand's team lost their opener of the Women's Six Nations for the fourth season in a row against France in Belfast on Saturday but offered a strong showing in the 27-15 defeat.

While the side ranked fourth in the world had scored 56 and 53 points on their two most recent visits to Ireland, the hosts were just 17-15 behind in the final 10 minutes before France put a late gloss on the scoreline.

"The thing is not to get too ahead of ourselves knowing that we could have won," said McMahon, who was used as a second-half replacement.

"It's actually still about showing up. You can talk and talk and talk, but if you don't action and do, you're not going to earn it.

"As much as [against France] we knew we could have won that game, we still need to make sure we implement that plan. Believing is one thing, doing is another."

With McMahon named as a substitute, and her fellow co-captain Sam Monaghan absent through injury, wing Amee-Leigh Costigan led the side out at Kingspan Stadium with hooker Neve Jones serving as vice skipper.

McMahon felt it was "an easy pick" to have Costigan serve in her place.

"Leigh is just a leader in her own right," said the flanker.

"A lot of people were asking how I helped her out - you don't need to help Leigh, she's a leader in how she carries herself.

"It was an easy pick for her, the same as Neve Jones."

McMahon, who won her 31st cap against France, added that the pair "embody the core values of the Ireland squad.

Topics

McMahon says Trump admin will 'do everything legally' in dismantling of Education Department

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said Thursday President Trump is committed to using legal measures to dismantle the Department of Education. “I think he was correct in saying that we were ...
The Hill - 5d
Ireland 'trying a bit too hard' in Italy win - Easterby

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby feels his side were "trying to force things" in their Six Nations win over Italy.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15
Ireland defence must 'hugely step up' - Ryan

Ireland second row James Ryan says Ireland's defence will need to be much better in Saturday's concluding Six Nations match against Italy.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Do this one thing before a job interview, says ex-Google exec: 'It stands out'

Before you go in for a job interview, send everyone you're interviewing with an email expressing your excitement, says Jenny Wood.
CNBC - Mar. 17
Trump says McMahon made decisions on mass layoffs at Education Department

President Trump on Wednesday said Education Secretary Linda McMahon was behind the mass layoffs at the agency, not mentioning tech billionaire Elon Musk while defending the overhaul. “When we cut— ...
The Hill - Mar. 12
Northern Ireland 'in a good place' ahead of Switzerland friendly - O'Neill

Michael O'Neill says his youthful Northern Ireland side are "in a good place" ahead of Friday's friendly with Switzerland in Belfast.
Yahoo Sports - 5d
'Too much emotion makes you do crazy things' - Mateta defends Roberts

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta defends Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, saying "too much emotion makes you do crazy things".
BBC News - Mar. 18
Bellingham ‘must be more disciplined to save energy’, says Thomas Tuchel

England head coach wants midfielder to have more impact Tuchel unsure why wingers didn’t ‘dare to take the risk’ Thomas Tuchel believes Jude Bellingham tried to do too much at Euro 2024 and must ...
The Guardian - 3d
Crowley replaces Prendergast as Ireland change six for Italy

Jack Crowley is recalled at fly-half for Ireland's final Six Nations match against Italy in Rome, as Sam Prendergast drops to the bench.
BBC News - Mar. 13