Layoff does little to dim Claire Molloy's brilliance 

Ireland’s Claire Molloy makes a break s as Italy’s Elisa Giordano and Francesca Sgorbini move in to tackle during the Women’s Six Nations Championship match in Donnybrook. Picture: Laszlo Geczo

Claire Molloy served up a reminder of her enduring quality at Donnybrook on Saturday night as Ireland made a winning return to the Women’s Six Nations at the expense of a game Italy.

On her first international appearance since March of last year, the Galway native was named player of the match — just reward for a powerful performance at openside flanker. Her stoppage-time try gave Ireland a 14-7 interval platform and despite the best efforts of the Italians, the hosts remained in the driving seat until the final whistle.