Coleraine's Conor Smyth answers Ireland's call
A Coleraine Rugby Club player is due to pull on the famous green shirt when he plays for Ireland next month.
Conor Smyth has been named in the Irish Under-18 Youth squad for the upcoming U18 Justin Bridou European Championship in the Cte d'Azur in the South of France. The tournament will take place at Easter and they will be hoping to go one better than the past two years when ireland were beaten in the finals.
Conor told Times Sport: "It's a dream come true. It's great to get onto the Ireland squad. Now I can't wait to get into action."
At six-foot-five and 17 stone, Conor is sure to make a lasting impression on the opposition when he takes to the field in the second row. He has been training and playing hard with Coleraine throughout the past year as he moved through he selection process for Ulster and then on to the Ireland set-up.
A life long member of Coleraine Rugby Club, Conor followed in the footsteps of his grandfather Russell, father Tim and brother Russell when he first pulled on a Coleraine shirt in P4. Since then he has played only for club teams and each year he has won the award for player of the year or forward of the year for his age group.
Both Conor's father Tim and his wife Alison, formerly chair of Coleraine Mini Rugby, are delighted to see their son on the Irish squad. Tim said: "Conor has always played for Coleraine and all his rugby has been through the club.
"I would like to thank the club for all the support they have given us and Conor over the years. We are just delighted he has done so well.
"It's great to see him come through the club set up to represent Ireland. He has worked hard and deserves all his success."
Speaking last week coach Brian Kneeland was full of praise for Coleraine's latest rugby star. He said: "Conor has always been a delight to coach. He always listens and does what he is told and he is a perfect example of how far you can get if you are prepared to work hard.
"He is totally dedicated to Coleraine and even apologises when he can't make a match because he is away with Ulster or Ireland. He has told me that when he runs out on the pitch with his Ireland jersey on, it will be for Coleraine. On behalf of the club I wish him luck in France."
Conor leaves for France on April 2 and the tournament involving 32 national teams ends on April 12. He is one of only three Ulster players in the touring squad.
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Weather for Coleraine
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 5 C to 7 C
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