Lionesses earn International recognition!

31 August 2021

At Swinton Lions we are proud and thrilled to announce that just six months after forming our female teams, two of our “Lionesses” have been selected at international level, with both Maddie Corrigan and Holly Grimes being brought into the Ireland train-on squad for 2021 and 2022.

It is great testament to the training regime being put in place by our Lionesses coaches Martina Greenwood and Steve Thirkell, as well of course the hard work and commitment of Holly and Maddie themselves, that Swinton is already being looked at as a source of potential international talent.

Holly Grimes will already be known to many of our supporters, as she and her family were already keen Lions’ fans even before the formation of the Lionesses. This is her first season playing Rugby League, although she did have some previous experience playing the Union code. Upon her selection for the Ireland squad, Holly, a forward, said, “It’s a thrill to achieve recognition in such a big sport, and being able to represent not only my club but also my family is a great honour. When my name was selected out of all those that trialled, it showed me that the blood, sweat and tears over the years have been worth it in the end.”

Maddison Corrigan is a strong running centre who came to Swinton following 12 months at Leigh East. Maddie is a player who is always looking to learn and develop. and she has adapted well to play in both the Lionesses Under 16s and Open Age teams at Swinton. She is a very bright 16-year-old emerging talent and definitely one to watch in the future. Maddie said, “I am so thrilled to make the squad. My family have very strong Irish heritage and it means a lot to both my family and myself to represent Ireland. I have worked hard whilst playing and training for Swinton and can honestly say it’s the best feeling being one of the first ever Swinton Lionesses to gain recognition at this level. However, the hardest works begins now and I cannot wait for it!”

Everyone at the club, including all of their team mates in the Lionesses, are immensely proud of Holly and Maddie, and we feel that this is only the beginning for both girls as well as for the rest of the Swinton Lionesses!