Delight in Ballina after Irish squad for U20 Rugby World Cup is announced

There is great joy in Ballina today as news spreads that two young men who came through the ranks at the local rugby club have been selected for the Irish squad headed to South Africa for the U-20 World Cup.
Fiachna Barrett from Geesala and Ballina's Harry West have been named in the 30-man squad who will take on the best sides in the world in Cape Town between June 24 and July 14.
Head Coach, Richie Murphy has retained consistency in selection from the memorable Grand Slam-winning campaign earlier this season, with 26 of the 30-player squad for South Africa having featured in the U20 Six Nations
Ireland have been paired in Pool B alongside England, Australia and Fiji, with Murphy’s side playing all three of their Pool matches at Paarl Gymnasium in the Western Cape.

Ireland open their campaign against Six Nations rivals England on Saturday, June 24, before facing Australia on Thursday, June 29 and Fiji on Tuesday, July 4.

Speaking after the announcement, Ballina RFC Chairman said it was another proud day for the club. "Fiachna and Harry are fully deserving of their selection and we're absolutely delighted for them and their families. They're exceptionally talented and exceptionally fine young men and we're very proud of them. Their continued progress says a lot about the excellent coaching they received in Ballina RFC over the years and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the coaches who worked with them all along the way from Mini Rugby to our senior squad."