Wednesday 10 December 2014 16:50, UK
The Irish Rugby Football Union has confirmed that Helen O'Reilly has been appointed to its National Referee Panel.
The 39-year-old refereed in this year's Women's Rugby World Cup and will now step up to take charge of Ulster Bank League games.
"Helen's appoinment is based solely on merit but as the first female referee to make the panel she must be congratulated,' said IRFU referee development director Owen Doyle.
"Her hard work, dedication and strong refereeing performances have propelled her into the top handful of female referees in the world and into the national panel here in Ireland."
The decision, which means O'Reilly could soon find herself in charge of Guinness Pro12 and European Champions Cup fixtures, comes after the English RFU appointed Nottingham solicitor Claire Hodnett to its panel earlier this year.
