I still love Ruth says Munster hero Alan

Caitlin McBride

RUGBY hero Alan Quinlan has revealed he is still in love with his model wife Ruth Griffin, despite splitting six months ago.

The Ireland international wed the Assets model two years ago and he has admitted that the decision to end their marriage is a constant "source of regret".

In spite of being one of Dublin's most sought-after models, Ruth (34) jumped ship from the capital when she wed the back-row tough guy in 2008, and moved to Limerick.

Both had remained determinedly tight-lipped about the split -- until now.

"Ruth and I separated earlier this year after being married for two years and being together for six," the 36-year-old Munster star said today.

The high-profile couple have one young son together, 22-month old AJ, who lives in Dublin with his mum.

"She and AJ live in Dublin and I travel up and down as often as I can to see them. There's no point in saying that the separation hasn't been painful because that wouldn't be true.

"I haven't stopped loving her and she's a major part of my life. We had our ups and downs in our marriage, but what young couple doesn't?"

cmcbride@herald.ie