Kate Flannery knows it's not going to be a straight forward path
As Kate Flannery prepares for another AIL final for UL Bohemians, the dream of playing in the World Cup later this year is still on her mind.
The fly-half has impressed for her club and province, as the Limerick side prepare to defend their AIL title against Railway Union in the Aviva Stadium this weekend.
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With many of the squad part of last year's victory, Flannery hopes they can lean on that experience this weekend.
"Last year going in, it was hard to know what to expect. I was very nervous last year.
"I would still be nervous going in, it is going to be a different game to last year, but it is nice to know the day and not get too carried away with the outside noise.
"While enjoying the moment while we are there, just focus on the game as much as we can.
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"Since last year, our team has just created such a good bond, and we are just so used to playing with each other now."
By the time the final kicks off on Sunday, Ireland's Six Nations campaign will have concluded, with focus turning to the World Cup in September.
In a short space of time, Scott Bemand has turned Ireland's fortunes around, with Flannery being called up to previous squads.
Despite not being part of the Six Nations squad, the 20-year-old is still aiming to be part of the World Cup and make her Ireland debut.
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"Ìt would be unreal, it is something I am striving towards. Last year I was lucky enough to be a training panellist ahead of the Six Nations.
"Just getting the chance to see how professional it is and playing with the girls is class.
"This year, not being involved, it has just been a motivator to try to get back up there. Seeing how well they are playing, you would just love an opportunity to play in that system and play with some of the top quality players they have."
Coming from a rugby family, Kate often leans on her brother Jake for advice, who plays for Ulster.
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Also a fly-half, Kate has seen the ups and downs of rugby through her brother, as he continues his recovery from injury.
"It is class. Even after the game, when I am reviewing bits individually that I could have worked on or opportunities I have missed, being able to send him clips and get a second pair of eyes, it is so helpful.
"He has shown a lot of resistance in his career. He has had a few injuries, and he has moved provinces, so that is nice to see when things aren't going my way or I am struggling to get as much game time as I would like.
"Just seeing how resilient how reiliant he has been and how he has got through stuff.
"It is inspiring to know it is not going to be a straightforward path, there is going to be bumps in the road, you can see that from him as well."
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