Ireland boss defiant despite disappointment as Emily Murphy comes of age

Ireland head coach Carla Ward speaks to her players in the huddle after her side's defeat to Franc. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland head coach Carla Ward speaks to her players in the huddle after her side’s defeat to Franc. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Carla Ward said she was beyond gutted after two Melvine Malard’s final-quarter double denied Ireland a second successive win against a world-class French side.

“I feel like somebody has stabbed me in the heart,” she said.