Sean Gallagher.

At the same time as Ireland were on their way to victory over Scotland in the Six Nations at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, Navan referee Sean Gallagher was adding to his already considerable bank of experience in the Millennium Stadium.

Gallagher took charge of a Women's Six Nations game between Wales and Itay at the famous Cardiff venue.

That game took place immediately after the men's Six Nations encounter between the two countries.

Gallagher described it as "an absolutely brilliant experience" and one he savoured.

"Not too many referees get to take charge of a game at a Six Nations venue so it was special for me. If you're from Ireland Alain Rolland or George Clancy are the only people who are going to referee there so I was very lucky," he said.

At 22 Gallagher is one of the most promising young match officials in the Irish game and already he has taken charge of matches at all divisions in the All-Ireland League.

Gallagher says that while the women are very skilful the game is played at a slightly slower pace then the men's yet a match official needs to be on full alert all the time.

This season Gallagher, who is a student teacher, has filled in as a touch judge in a series of Amlin Cup and RaboDirect PRO 12 games outside Leinster.

He was also on the line for a second-tier international encounter between Spain and Georgia. He's refereeing in the u-18 European Championships in Madrid at the end of March in what is a two-week tournament.

"I've had plenty of trips away this year but it's all about gaining experience," he told the Meath Chronicle.

"My next step as far as touch judging is concerned is the Heineken Cup."

Gallagher who is a member of Navan Rugby Club says that those looking to carve out a career in refeering at Amlin Cup level need to be willing to give a huge amount of time to training and travelling to games.

"You need to be very committed to it, but you also need to enjoy it as well. That's the most important thing, if you don't enjoy it you don't referee well."

Meath players Marie Louise Reilly and Grace Davitt played their part as Ireland defeated Scotland 20-0 in the Women's Six Nations at Ashbourne on Friday night.

The victory leaves Ireland facing England in London on Saturday at Esher Rugby Club and a win there will ensure the girls in green claim the triple crown.