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Two Mayo men called into extended Irish squad for weekend rugby clash
Two former Ballina RFC players called into extended Ireland XV squad for clash with England A in Thomond Park
Geesala's Fiachna Barrett and Ballina's Harry West have been called into the Ireland A squad.
Reporter:
Michael Gallagher
04 Feb 2026 3:03 PM
Email:
michaelgallagher@mayonews.ie
BALLINA RFC is celebrating this morning after two of their former players were called into the extended Ireland XV squad for the clash with England ‘A’ in Limerick on Friday. Geesala's Fiachna Barrett and Ballina native Harry West were called into the group after recent impressive performances with Connacht in the United Rugby Championship and the European Challenge Cup. The news of the duo's call-up has been greeted with great delight at their home club as Ballina RFC President, Daragh Quinn explains.
"These lads started their rugby journey at Mini Rugby here in the club on Saturday mornings and progressed through the teams. We're so proud of them, their families and all who worked with them over the years," he stated.
Ireland XV play England A in Friday night’s clash at Thomond Park, which kicks off at 7.15pm.
Head Coach Cullie Tucker will be assisted by Forwards Coach John Muldoon, Defence Coach Sean O’Brien and Attack Coach Mark Sexton, as players of national interest are exposed to a National Team environment and are afforded the opportunity to stake their claim in a green jersey.
Ciaran Frawley, Billy Bohan and Bryn Ward linked up with the squad in Limerick having spent last week with the Ireland squad in Portugal.
Sam Illo, Oli Jager, Diarmuid Mangan and Ben Murphy have been ruled out, with Jude Postlethwaite and Darragh Murray remaining with the Ireland squad in Paris ahead of Thursday’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations opener against France.
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