Vicky has represented Ulster U18s for the last two years, and this year helped her Province remain unbeaten in the Inter-provincial series. At local level she has captained her ever growing club side with distinction.
Mr Paul Crute, Head Master at RS Armagh, stated: “The Royal is delighted to celebrate the sporting successes of our pupils and to honour their achievements. We offer a broad range of sports including rugby for our girls who play in the Girls Schools’ Cup. Vicky is an outstanding sportswoman. Encouraged by her coaches Zoe Templeton and Neil Rafferty, she had a trial for the Ulster U18 team as soon as she was eligible at the age of 15 and was already good enough to be selected. She plays at centre and has represented Ulster on six occasions. Her intelligence, speed, strength and agility make her a formidable opponent. The maroon and cream honours blazer in school is awarded to Sixth Form students who have achieved significant recognition in major activities. Vicky makes history by being the first girl in the schools' 406 year history (the school became co-educational in 1986) to be awarded one!”
Club man, Neil Rafferty, U18 Girls Head Coach at City of Armagh RFC, commented: “Vicky is one of an exceptional group of young women playing at U18 level in Armagh RFC. We are very proud to be coaching them all but for Vicky to be honoured by The Royal School in this way is a fantastic recognition of her achievement. I've no doubt she will play for Ulster and Ireland in the years to come.”
Shirley Anne Donaldson, Senior Vice President of City of Armagh RFC and manager of women’s rugby at the club was delighted to hear the news. Shirley Anne stated: “Vicky has been a credit to her sport both on and off the pitch and has now represented Ulster U18s for two seasons. Significantly, last season Ulster were unbeaten in their inter-provincial matches. I commend the Royal for its recognition of Vicky’s outstanding talent and hope she will be the first of many female rugby Honours Blazer holders.”