Roscommon woman returns to Connacht colours over a year after cancer diagnosis
Sarah Purcell returned to the Connacht colours against Munster at Dexcom Stadium last weekend. Picture: INPHO/James Crombie
Despite Connacht suffering a 47-12 defeat at the hands of Munster in the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincials last weekend, there was a story that transcended the result — the story of Sarah Purcell.
The forward, who came through the ranks at Creggs, was sprung off the bench for her first appearance in this year’s Interprovincials.
Daughter of Dave and Siobhan Purcell, Roscommomn Town, Sarah made her Connacht senior debut in a friendly with Munster back in 2024.
Her father Dave is the current head coach of the Creggs women's team.
After a promising underage career, which saw her captain Connacht to the U-18 Interprovincial title two years ago, Sarah appeared destined to follow in the footsteps of her fellow Creggs women, Jemima Adams Verling, Síofra Hession and Hannah Coen, who were all part of the Connacht squad on Saturday last, and make an almost seamless transition from underage talent to senior star.
But Sarah’s rugby journey diverged down a different path. In June of last year, she received the devastating news that she had cancer.
“Last June (2025), I got diagnosed with cancer. I got the all clear in June — a year on to the day.
“It is so special to be back here playing with the girls, playing at home in the Dexcom in the new stadium. I couldn’t have done it without them to be fair,” she told Connacht Rugby after her side’s defeat at Dexcom Stadium.
So, what was going through her mind as she entered the game?
“I suppose just head down and carry. I suppose with that first ball you want to get into the game and that first hit to be a big one, so I just wanted to get a bit of gain line there and retain the ball,” noted the current Galwegians player.
Fellow Creggs woman, Jemima Adams Verling, who scored a try on Saturday last, hailed Sarah’s perseverance and attitude on her journey back to playing rugby.
“She has just been amazing. I have played alongside her since I was like yay high and she always brings so much energy.
“In a game like that when you are losing, she comes on and makes you bring 110 per cent more. She is amazing to play with, and I know any time she carries there are going to be gain lines, so delighted to be back with her,” she concluded.
