More joy for Deeny with U-20 triumph
BRIAN DEENY enjoyed another huge step in his career when he played a key part in helping Ireland to complete back-to-back Under-20 Triple Crowns with a 37-21 victory over England in Doncaster on Friday.
Deeny recovered from an injury received in the victory over Wales to take his second row position in Noel McNamara’s starting 15 as they took on a highly-rated home side.
The Irish rose to the demands of the occasion, turning in a splendid display of open rugby to demolish the English challenge, in the process retaining the Triple Crown while at the same time keeping their championship hopes very much alive.
Deeny, who began his career with Wexford Wanderers and now plays his club rugby with Clontarf in the AIL Division 1, was his usual commanding figure at the back of the line-outs.
His workrate around the pitch was immense, making the the big carries while his tackle count was high for a second row.
Ireland now look forward to their next game against a rejuvenated Italy side in two weeks when they hope to keep their Grand Slam drive very much on course.
It was not so lucky for Tadhg Furlong as Ireland fell to a whopping 24-12 defeat to England, thus ending their Triple Crown and Grand Slam dreams at Twickenham on Sunday.
While Furlong held his own in the scrums, he was not as prominent as usual in the loose, but like his colleagues he was overpowered by a rampant and hugely physical English pack.
Furlong and Ireland will be hoping to return to winning ways when they play Italy in the Aviva on Saturday week.
Meanwhile, Katie Fitzhenry’s return to the Ireland women’s team was not a winning one as they lost out 27-0 to England in their Six Nations championship game on Sunday.
Fitzhenry has just returned from a tour with the Irish sevens squad and was included in the centre. Like her colleagues, she was confined mostly to defensive duties, given little time to show any attacking qualities.