Niamh Briggs who resumed the position of full back, having played last year's 6 Nations matches at centre comfortably slotted the conversion.

However, it was obvious from start that the Spanish meant business and did not travel to Ireland to leave without a tough battle and it wasn't long before winger Laura Esbri scored under the posts having shown some great foot work to beat the Irish defence.

A Briggs penalty in the 25^th minute saw Ireland being to increase the pressure on Spain. Ireland continued to apply pressure to the Spanish outfit throughout the first half and went into the dressing room at half time leading by 15 points to 7, following a try from Alison Miller.

Ireland continued to dominate in the second half and with tries from Ashling Hutchings, Sophie Spence, Stacey Lee Kennedy and a second from Alison Miller saw the squad secure the win.

With both squads using rolling substitutions, it was a great opportunity for the coaching staff to see all 26 players perform at this level and it has no doubt faced Irish Head Coach Philip Doyle with some tough selection decisions ahead of their first 6 Nations match of 2013 against Wales.

The Rosie Gallagher Memorial Trophy was presented to Irish captain Fiona Coghlan following the uncapped friendly.

Rosie, an all-action flanker played her rugby with Cooke RFC whilst also representing Ulster during her career. Rosie won four caps for her country between February 1999 and May 2000 and sadly passed away after a short illness in August 2003.

This trophy was played for between Ireland and Spain in the Six Nations in 2004, 2005 and 2006, before Spain were replaced by Italy in line with the men's tournament.