‘THIS is so worth the drive down from Limerick and back up again tonight,’ smiled Abbie Salter-Townshend, as she picked up a West Cork Sports Star monthly award that meant a lot.

‘This is my first individual award,’ the Castletownshend woman continued, ‘so it’s great to have all the people who have supported me here, and to spend this evening with my family.’

Abbie was surrounded by familiar faces as she took centre stage at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery on a not-so-normal Friday night. This was her night, earned by her success with the Munster women’s rugby team, but one she wanted to share with her inner circle who have backboned her rugby rise – her parents Anne and Mark, both rugby-mad, and her partner Clare Gorman, an Irish international.

From the 15-year-old who went to a Munster U18 trial simply because her club, Skibbereen RFC, had to send players, to the 24-year-old who started three games as Munster won the interpros this summer, it’s been one hell of a journey.

Abbie Salter-Townshend with her West Cork Sports Star award.

‘The support I’ve had from my family is massive, all the way up,’ Abbie explained.

‘When I was playing underage, dad spent the whole summer driving me up and down to Limerick, making sure I got to all my training. I think he was living his rugby dream through me!

‘I wouldn’t have been able to commit to it if I didn't have my parents behind me all the way, coming to all my games, home and away. Or if I have a bad day or was upset at something, they are always there to back me and support me.

‘My girlfriend Clare – she plays rugby for Ireland, a Sevens player – really understands the environment and how this sport works. She knows how high the highs can be, and how low the lows can be. To have those people to talk to is so important.’

That support network’s role cannot be underestimated. Abbie’s rise wasn’t linear, but this is a story of resilience, perseverance and patience. She had to wait until this season – her fourth with Munster – to earn her first start. The scrum-half began three of Munster’s four games, including coming on in the second half of the emphatic final win against Leinster.

‘I think I am quite patient. I have to be, to keep going for this long,’ Abbie says.

‘It has been a rocky journey with Munster – there have been lots of highs and lots of lows. From getting in the squad for the first time, to getting on the bench for the first time, to having a season where I didn't play many games, to a season like this when I had three starts.

‘This has taken a long time. There were days when I said “will I bother?” or “is it worth it?”. But I am so glad that I stuck with it. This is my dream come true, to start with Munster, and to wear that nine jersey. It’s all worth it, so I must be a bit patient to get this far.’

Abbie kept pushing, grafting, working – and then took her chance when it came this summer. There’s a real sense of pride and fulfillment now, because of what came before. Her dream was to wear the number nine jersey for Munster, and she’s ticked that box.

Abbie celebrates Munster's interpros success with her parents, Anne and Mark.

There’s also reward in the journey itself, because Abbie is, in her words, ‘really happy’ with life right now – and rugby is at the centre of it. She works as a Club Community Rugby Officer (CCRO) with Munster, partnering with Mitchelstown RFC.

‘My life revolves around rugby!’ she says.

‘I go into primary schools, coaching boys and girls, encouraging them to join their local clubs. If I can explain the laws of rugby to nine and ten year olds and they understand it, then I must know what I am talking about!

‘I’m also an S&C coach with Glenstal Abbey’s senior cup team,’ she adds, as well as playing her club rugby with UL Bohs.

Abbie’s life is in Limerick right now, but the pull of home will always be strong. This is where her rugby journey started, as a kid going to Skibbereen games with her mom and dad. And she has climbed the ladder, showing her strength along the way.

That’s why winning a West Cork Sports Star monthly award meant so much – it’s about the journey as much as the destination.