First cap for Byrne
SLIGO’S Donnacha Byrne won his first cap for his country last Saturday, when he played for Ireland U18s against Italy Academy U18s in La Ghirada Centro Sportivo Treviso.
The interprovincial-winning Connacht U18 squad made up almost half of the Ireland U18 Clubs squad. Connacht’s Darragh Murray from Buccaneers RFC captained the side from the second row, alongside two more Connacht men in the back row, Oisín McCormack from Ballinasloe RFC and Sligo RFC’s Donnacha Byrne at number 8. There were seven players from the province included in the starting line-up and four more on the bench. Ireland led 7-21 half-time and continued their dominance in the second half, clocking up a 12-31 win over the home side.
Donnacha wore the Irish jersey with great pride and represented Sligo RFC and Connacht with distinction.