North Mayo men impress in Irish colours

IRELAND’S CALL Lacken native Caelan Doris lined out for Ireland against Italy. Pic: Sportsfile

Ger Flanagan

BALLINA RFC had a weekend to remember after seeing two of their former players impress for Ireland in their Six Nations victory over Italy.
Connacht star Dave Heffernan was sprung from the bench in the second half and went over for a converted try late on, while Lacken native Caelan Doris of Leinster started with number six on his back.
Both Heffernan and Doris started their rugby careers at Mini Rugby in Heffernan Park before being brought through the successful North Mayo youth system and finally to the heights there are reaching in their respective senior careers.
Club Chairman, Alan Rowe, expressed his delight last week of the news that the duo had been selected for the big game.
"We're all walking around with an extra spring in our step today after hearing that great news,“ he said. “These are tough times, but this has given everyone a huge boost. To have two men playing for Ireland who started out at Mini Rugby here in the club is very special and we'll all be glued to the match on Saturday.
"On behalf of the club, I'd like to congratulate David and Caelan, their families and everyone who coached them along the way. It is indeed a very special occasion for all in Ballina RFC.“
Doris, in particular, has had a remarkable rise to success in the past 12 months.
Recently his form was recognised after being named Leinster Young Player of the Season. After making his debut in 2018 for Leinster, he’s now played 33 times.
Leinster and Ireland captain Johnny Sexton was fulsome in his praise for Doris.
“Caelan has been superb all season and thoroughly deserves his award. Naturally, we would love to celebrate this achievement with family and friends at the end of season awards but we understand we have to keep playing our part in the fight against Covid-19.
“Caelan has been brilliant for us in a hugely demanding season and not once did he let his standards slip.”