What a weekend for Ballina rugby. Four players who came through Mini and the youths system at the club played on the international stage. Fiachna Barrett and Harry West with the Ireland U-20s, Clara Barrett with the Combined Provinces and Caelan Doris with the Ireland senior squad.
Fiachna and Harry play for Ireland U-20s
There have been many special occasions in the proud history of Ballina Rugby Football Club but few will ever match Friday evening in Colwyn Bay. Ireland recorded a well-earned 44-27 victory over Wales and the game ended with two BRFC men on the pitch.
Fiachna Barrett and Harry West were introduced as second-half replacements, and both made immediate impacts. To have one BRFC man in the green at this level is special to have two is extraordinary.
"It's an emotional night for our club," Ballina RFC chairman, Alan Rowe stated after the final whistle. "We're so proud of Fiachna and Harry and to see them both on the pitch together for Ireland in the Six Nations is truly wonderful."
Ireland trailed by a point at half time but a much-improved display after the break delivered some truly excellent tries. Both Fiachna and Harry were introduced to the fray in the closing minutes with Fiachna making his mark with some impressive carries and Harry setting up Ireland's final try before adding the conversion.
Congratulations to Fiachna, Harry, the Barrett and West families and all the coaches who made it possible.
Clara play for Combined Provinces
Congratulations to our own Clara Barrett who helped the Combined Provinces to a 45-12 win over The Thistles in Belfast on Saturday.
The Geesala woman contributed handsomely to the comfortable win over the Scottish side in Kingspan Stadium where the Irish side ran in seven tries.
The lopsided scoreline told its own story and Clara can be very proud of her contribution.
Caelan starts the Six Nations with a bang
Once again, Caelan Doris has taken the rugby world by storm. The Lacken man starred in Ireland's big win in Cardiff and wrote his name in history when scoring the opening try of this year's Six Nations Championship just two minutes after kick-off.
Caelan continued to play a huge role offensively and defensively and turned in a brilliant performance. There was a vocal Ballina RFC contingent in Cardiff roaring him on.
