Rugby star Maggie Alphonsi MBE is guest speaker at Barrow Hills prize giving

Maggie Alphonsi MBE, the face of international women’s rugby, who represented her country an impressive 74 times and helped England win a record breaking seven consecutive Six Nations crowns, was the guest speaker at Barrow Hills’ annual Prize Giving event on Friday 7^th July.

Maggie joined the children as they said goodbye to those leaving the School to move onto the next phase of their educational journey and honoured those who have been recognised for their achievements and outstanding talent over the past year.

Headmaster Sean Skehan said, “Having Maggie present at our end of year Prize Giving service provides our children with a wonderful opportunity to meet with a high-profile sports woman, whose sporting achievements are legendary. Maggie personifies the importance of courage, determination and sheer hard work as the required attributes for success. Of course, she is also a fantastic role model for our girls, underpinning the School’s strong belief that gender should never be a barrier to achievement. Maggie has accomplished so much in a sport that was historically dominated by men, becoming the first ever former female player to commentate on men’s international rugby. All of this whilst still continuing with her academic studies, obtaining an MSc and BSc in Sports & Exercise. She is truly an inspiration to all our children.”

Maggie Alphonsi commented, “It is always rewarding to meet with young children who are just starting to carve out their hopes and ambitions for the future. From spending time with the children today, the School’s strong ethos is clearly evident; to encourage children to believe in themselves and to strive to achieve to the very best of their ability. The prize giving today and news of the number of scholarships awarded to Barrow Hills children this year is testament to the power of that philosophy.”