Marie was present at the Evening Echo's Ladies Sports Star of the Year ceremony this week, where she joined the 11 other winners of the monthly awards.

Having only taken up rugby in 2002, the postwoman from East Cork has since proved herself as one of the best front row forwards in the country and an oustanding leader for her club Highfield, whom she has previously captained, as well as her province and her country.

She led Munster in the 2007 season and under her captaincy the Interprovincial crown was won after a tough battle with Leinster in the final.

She was also part of the Highfield team who contested two All Ireland finals last season, having gone 12 months undefeated in competitive rugby.

She has just recently been selected for Ireland's match squad for their opening game against Italy.

Marie was joined by her friends and family at the event which attracted over 300 guests including the Munster Rugby trio of Chief Executive, Garrett Fitzgerald, Provincial Domestic Game Manager Ultan O'Callaghan and Event Manager & Domestic Rugby PR Trish Drinan.  Irish Women's Rugby Coach John O'Sullivan was also present.

The awards ceremony included special words from Irish sporting legend Sonia O'Sullivan and an inspirational speech from Mary Davis from the Special Olympics.

The overall winner was basketball star Jessica Scannell but Marie and every other monthly winner recieved a special piece of Newbridge jewellery on the day.