Mayo rugby talent stays on with Connacht Rugby Academy

Mayo rugby talent, Geesala native Fiachna Barrett has re-signed with the Connacht Rugby Academy.

The prop, who played for Ireland in the U-20 World Cup 2023, will look to bring his rugby career to the next level.

Barrett played youth rugby with Ballina RFC before he caught the attention of the Connacht Rugby Academy who signed him two years ago.

This year’s Academy squad includes an intake of eight players into Year 1 of the programme. Coming through the Connacht pathway system to take their place in the squad is Carrick-on Shannon’s Diarmaid O’Connell (Corinthians RFC/Sligo Grammar) and Galway duo Bobby Power (Galwegians RFC/The Jes) and Sean Walsh (Corinthians RFC/Coláiste Éinde), while a further five players have joined the province.

All four of last year’s Year 1 players – Billy Bohan, Tomás Farthing, Max Flynn and Éanna McCarthy – have moved up to Year 2.

This season’s four Year 3 representatives have all progressed from Year 2, minus Finn Treacy who signed a professional contract earlier in the summer. They are Fiachna Barrett, Seán Naughton, James Nicholson and Matthew Victory.

THE FULL CONNACHT RUGBY ACADEMY SQUAD 2025/26:

Year 1

Aaron O’Brien – Back Row

Diarmaid O’Connell – Back Row

Conor O’Shaughnessy – Out-Half

Bobby Power – Back Row

Daniel Ryan – Back Three

David Walsh – Lock/Back Row

Seán Walsh – Centre

Mikey Yarr - Hooker

Year 2

Billy Bohan – Loosehead Prop

Tomás Farthing – Scrum-Half

Max Flynn – Back Row

Éanna McCarthy – Back Row

Year 3

Fiachna Barrett – Tighthead Prop

Seán Naughton – Out-Half

James Nicholson – Back Three

Matthew Victory - Hooker

READ: 'Shameful' - The GAA world reacts to Kevin McStay dismissal by Mayo county board