TRALEE Rugby Club will welcome the United Rugby Championship, the Six Nations and the Triple Crown trophies to O’Dowd Park on Friday, July 21.
Former Tralee RFC player and current La Rochelle star, Ultan Dillane, will be the special guest at the event which takes place from 2pm to 4pm. It’s a chance to bring the kids and get your photo taken with the trophies. It’s a free event and all are welcome.
Later that evening, in a ticket-only event at the club, Ultan Dillane, Jack Crowley, Andrew Brace and Joy Neville will take to the stage on the night in a special preview to the 2023 Rugby World Cup facilitated by Bernard Jackman, renowned rugby pundit for RTE and columnist with the Sunday Independent.
TRALEE man Ultan Dillane will leave Connacht Rugby when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The news was confirmed this morning that Dillane has signed with an overseas club, the details of which will be announced in due course.
The former Tralee RFC player released a statement on his decision where he thanked Connacht Rugby.
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“This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but ultimately I feel that the time has come for me to experience a new challenge in my career,” he stated.
I am forever grateful to all the coaches and wider staff at Connacht I’ve worked with these past 10 years. You have all helped make my dream of becoming a professional and international rugby player a reality. I’ve also been fortunate to play alongside some incredible players both for Connacht and Ireland, and I have made some friends for life.
The Connacht supporters are among the best in the world and I’d like to thank them for all the support they’ve given me too. The West of Ireland will always be a special place to me.
I will be giving absolutely everything to finish my time in Connacht on a high, and help all of us to go on to have a really successful season. This is a team on the up and I’ll forever be a Connacht Rugby supporter.”
NOW here’s something that could give us a Lockdown lift this weekend.
We could do with a bit of a pick-me-up after Level 5 Restrictions so it would be great to see Ultan Dillance get some game-time for Ireland.
He has been named in the match day squad for the Six Nations match against Italy in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday at 3.30pm.
The Tralee man has been impressing for Connaught since rugby started up again so don’t be surprised if we see him on at some point during the game, which is a must-win for Ireland championship ambitions.
TRALEE man Ultan Dillene has been called into the Irish matchday squad for Sunday’s game against England.
It comes after Ireland lock Iain Henderson was ruled out of the Six Nations clash due to family reasons. Devin Toner will take his place on the pitch for the game at Twickenham.
This means Connacht’s lock Dillane will be on the bench for the game which could see Ireland clinch the Triple Crown with victory over the ‘old enemy’. Let’s hope Ultan can play a part in what would be a sweet victory. The match kicks off at 3pm on Sunday.
FORMER Tralee RFC player Ultan Dillane has been named in the 44-man summer training squad ahead of September’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt picked the players for the pre-Rugby World Cup camps, and four friendlies to be played in August and September against England, Italy and Wales twice.
The Connacht player, capped 14 times for his country, will he hoping to make an impact over the coming months to put him in contention for a place on the final squad heading to Japan in September. Ireland play their opening game of the tournament in Yokohama against Scotland on September 22.
GREAT news for Ultan Dillane as he will get a Six Nations start for Ireland on Sunday.
The Tralee man has been named in the starting line-up to play Italy in Rome in the Six Nations Championship (kick-off 3pm).
The Tralee man made his first appearance for Ireland in 15 months when he came off the bench in their 22-13 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield less than two weeks ago and impressed enough in his cameo to make the starting 15.
It caps off a good week for Dillane who was named Man of the Match in Connacht’s win over the Cheetahs on Saturday night in Galway.
ULTAN Dillane has been named in the squad to play Italy in Rome on Sunday in the Six Nations Championship.
The Tralee man made his first appearance for Ireland in 15 months when he came off the bench in their 22-13 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield less than two weeks ago.
He played well too in his short time on the field and his hard work has paid off with Joe Schmidt naming him in the squad for the game which kicks off at 3pm on Sunday.
It caps off a good week for Dillane who was named Man of the Match in Connacht’s win over the Cheetahs on Saturday night in Galway.
FORMER Tralee RFC player Ultan Dillane has been included on the match day squad for Ireland’s next Six Nations game this weekend.
The Connacht lock will be on the bench for the game against Scotland at Murrayfield which kicks off at 2.15pm on Saturday.
Hopefully Ultan will get a chance to come on and help Ireland get their championship hopes back on track after their loss to England last Saturday. Scotland lie top of the table on points difference after their defeat of Italy last weekend.
TRALEE man Ultan Dillane has been named in Joe Schmidt’s Irish rugby squad for their first two matches in the Six Nations.
The 25 year old Connacht player is included in the 38-man squad, just as he was last year. However, his involvement in squad was cut short due to the tragic loss of his mother Ellen.
Ultan has committed to Connacht for the next two years after he signed a two year contract extension that will keep him at the Sportsground up to the end of the 2020/21 season.
The former Tralee RFC player, has made 11 appearances for Ireland, first coming on against England in 2016. His last cap came against Fiji in November 2017.
TRALEE man Ultan Dillane has committed to Connacht for the next two years after he signed a two year contract extension that will keep him at the Sportsground up to the end of the 2020/21 season.
The 25 year old former Tralee RFC player, who has made 11 appearances for Ireland, joined the Connacht Academy ahead of the 2012–13 season and made his debut for the senior team in December 2014.
He has since gone on to make 73 appearances in the Connacht jersey winning the PRO12 Championship with Connacht in 2016.
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“I am delighted to be extending my contract and committing to Connacht for a further two seasons,” said Dillane on the Connacht Rugby website.
“I am proud of the fact that I have come through the academy system in the province and gone on to play for Connacht and Ireland at senior level. There is huge confidence and ambition in the Connacht squad and throughout the organisation and I am really excited about what we can achieve over the next few years.”
Announcing the contract extension, Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend said: “We are delighted to announce that Ultan Dillane has signed a two year contract extension. Ultan has played the game at the highest level and brings a wealth of experience to our side. He will continue to be a central figure as we target further success in the seasons ahead.”
ULTAN Dillane, Tralee’s rugby international and forward for Connacht, has become an ambassador for the 31 Day Challenge in January to promote positive mental health into 2019.
The 31 Day Challenge has been a big success over the past few years thanks to Tralee man, Poshey Aherne, who saw the need to get people active and motivated during the worst month of the year for depression.
Everyone who takes part in the 31 Day Challenge encouraged to donate one euro per day in January with all proceeds going to three local charities – Baile Mhuire Day Centre for Older Persons, Irish Cancer Society and Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.
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The Organiser of the 31 Day Challenge in 2019, local counsellor Caroline Corkery, said: “The challenge for everyone, depending on their level of fitness, to go for a walk or run and, by the end of January, be capable of doing a 5km walk or run. If you’re a fit person, we would like you to exercise for at least 30 or 40 minutes each day. We are delighted that Ultan Dillane has agreed to be our ambassador and we appreciate his input to the challenge. The details of the ‘final day walk’ will be announced on Facebook in the coming weeks.”
.Ultan Dillane with Mary Carroll, SInead Kelleher and Susan McElligott, the authors of ‘Behind The Face’ at the launch of the book at Siamsa Tire on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
IRISH Rugby International Ultan Dillane was in his hometown on Friday night to launch a new book on international people living in Kerry.
‘Behind The Face’ is the remarkable and inspiring true life stories of 15 international people who have made Kerry their home.
The Tralee rugby star was on a break from training and returned home to launch the book at Siamsa Tire in Tralee.
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The book makes a unique and impactful statement about the diversity of the new Kerry and helps us to go behind what we see, and look into the lives of the people we pass on the street, and challenge any possible stereotypes we may have.
Ultan says that he was delighted to be home and to help launch this important book that is aimed at promoting integration.
Ultan Dillane having fun with Imogen Carroll Kelly at the launch of ‘Behind The Face’ at Siamsa Tire on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
“It helps us understand why and how people came to Kerry,” says Ultan. “As a child growing up in Tralee I had a lot of international friends whose families had made Kerry their home.”
The Irish Rugby International was originally born in Paris to an Irish mother and a father from the Ivory Coast, but grew up in Tralee and began his rugby career at Tralee Rugby Club.
Behind the Face, which was supported by Kerry County Council’s Community Support Fund and NEWKD through SICAP funds, tells the stories of people like Ahmed Lulu who came here from Palestine to escape Hamas and a life of war and terror; Eddie Ong came from Malaysia to follow his dream of cooking and learning about new foods; Galina Cotter came to Kerry for love and now has two children and runs a business with her husband, and Hashim Al Hadeedy came to escape fear and terror from Isis in his home county of Iraq.
All these stories and more are contained in ‘Behind The Face’ – compiled by Mary Carroll, Sinead Kelleher and Susan McElligott – which is hoped will help the public understand that Kerry’s new residents all have their own reasons for coming to the county.
Their stories are of love and loss, bravery and hope but most importantly they tell us the story ‘Behind The Face’ – the stories of Kerry’s newest residents.
The book is available from Tralee International Resource Centre located at St Patricks Bungalows in Boherbee – 0667127918 – and costs €10 with all proceeds going to support the work TIRC do on promoting integration. Scroll down for photos…
In front; Elizabeth Silina, Alannah Houlihan. At back; Richard Sillins, Kristine Silina, Samantha Houlihan and Catriona Locke at the launch of ‘Behind The Face’ at Siamsa Tire on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Samuel Kiwanuka, Michael Cotter, Gallina Cotter and Barbara Larkin at the launch of ‘Behind The Face’ at Siamsa Tire on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAmy Diggin, Jill Murphy, Ava Wilkins, Tina Diggin and Mary O’Sullivan at the launch of ‘Behind The Face’ at Siamsa Tire on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Caroline Toal, Mahrukh Alam and Dr Rizan Khan at the launch of ‘Behind The Face’ at Siamsa Tire on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanIn front; Cara and Caoileann Kenny O’Sullivan, at back; Jill Kenny and Nora Kelleher at the launch of ‘Behind The Face’ at Siamsa Tire on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Amelie Sheahan and Susan McElligott at the launch of ‘Behind The Face’ at Siamsa Tire on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMichelle Murphy, Catriona Fallon and Susan Leen at the launch of ‘Behind The Face’ at Siamsa Tire on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.
African drumming at the launch of ‘Behind The Face’ at Siamsa Tire on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Mary Carroll, Susan McElligott and Sinead Kelleher who compiled ‘Behind The Face’. Photo by Domnick Walsh
THE remarkable and inspiring true life stories of 15 international people who have made Kerry their home have been told in a new book, Behind the Face, which will be launched next Friday, December 2 in Siamsa Tire, Tralee at 6pm.
Tralee man and Irish rugby international, Ultan Dillane, will launch the book, which makes a unique and impactful statement about the diversity of the new Kerry and helps us to go behind what we see, and look into the lives of the people we pass on the street, and challenge any possible stereotypes we may have.
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‘Behind the Face’, which was supported by Kerry County Council’s Community Support Fund and NEWKD through SICAP funds, tells the stories of people like Ahmed Lulu who came here from Palestine to escape Hamas and a life of war and terror; Eddie Ong came from Malaysia to follow his dream of cooking and learning about new foods; Galina Cotter came to Kerry for love and now has two children and runs a business with her husband, and Hashim Al Hadeedy came to escape fear and terror from Isis in his home county of Iraq.
All these stories and more are contained in ‘Behind the Face’ which is hoped will help the public understand that Kerry’s new residents all have their own reasons for coming to the county.
For whatever reason and, regardless of where they are from, wherever they come, they all share the fact that they have been uprooted and planted in a new place, with new cultures, customs and systems to adjust to.
Their stories are of love and loss, bravery and hope but most importantly they tell us the story ‘behind the face’ – the stories of Kerry’s newest residents.
The book was compiled by Mary Carroll, Sinead Kelleher and Susan McElligott. Mary is the co-ordinator of Tralee International Resource which helps support Kerry’s new international community.
Sinead Kelleher is a journalist with Kerry’s Eye and believes that Kerry should open its arms to its new residents. “We want this book to tell the story of people who have made Kerry their home,” says Sinead.
Susan McElligott is a counsellor who works with international people on a daily basis. She is a US citizen who now lives in Ireland. She is one of 15 people who shares her story in the new book.
“People’s stories are their identities and we want to share them so that past and future generations will understand where they came from,” she said.
Speaking about the Book, Mary said; “We all are different and yet the same. Some may be like us and others may be vastly different. We hope this book will allow you to think twice when you pass someone on the street and wonder what that person’s life has been like. We hope this book will help to connect the people of Kerry.”
‘Behind the Face’ will be launched this Friday, December 2, at Siamsa Tire at 6pm by Tralee’s Ultan Dillane.
The Irish Rugby International was originally born in Paris to an Irish mother and a father from the Ivory Coast, but grew up in Tralee.
MC for the event is Radio Kerry’s Deirdre Walsh and author and columnist Billy Keane, who penned the foreword, for the book will also be in attendance.
The book is available from TIRC – 0667127918 – and costs €10 with all proceed going to support the work TIRC do on promoting integration. Watch the Facebook page www.facebook.com/InternationalpeopleinKerry/ for more information.
TRALEE’S Ultan Dillane made his first start for Ireland tonight.
Despite a bit of a dodgy first half for the home team, Ultan was awesome. So much so, that he was awarded Man Of The Match in the game which finished 52-21 to the home team.
Ultan managed to get a second-half try during the evening and was taken off in the 73rd minute in a superb performance.
One guy below says it’s hard not to love Ultan Dillane, which sums it up really. Here’s what people made of his performance on Twitter…
Fantastic performance by Ultan Dillane. Well deserving of the man of the match. #irevcan
.Ultan Dillane and his mom Ellen in the Vodafone Ireland video.
ULTAN Dillane will start for Ireland for the first time tomorrow when they face Canada at the Aviva Stadium.
The Tralee RFC star really impressed in his latest cameo for his country against the All-Blacks last week, but now he has an opportunity to stake a starting place for the upcoming games against New Zealand and Australia.
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He has been talking about his career this far in a video from Vodafone Ireland, from his beginnings in Tralee RFC to lining out for Ireland.
It also features his former coaches in Tralee, his Irish teammate Jamie Heaslip and Joe Schmidt all singing his praises…as well as his mom Ellen! It’s well worth a watch. View it below…
AFTER his heroics on Saturday night in Chicago for Ireland’s win over the All-Blacks, Ultan Dillane is set to start for his country this weekend against Canada.
It will be the former Tralee RFC player’s first start for Ireland as they face the north Americans in the Guinness November series game at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday at 7.15pm.
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Joe Schmidt is also set to give Leinster centre Garry Ringrose and Munster lock Billy Holland a first start too in the game against a side ranked 18 in the world, as he rests some of the starting team after last weekend’s match.
Dillane came on for the final 16 minutes of that game at Soldier Field and played his part in the historic victory over New Zealand. The Ireland team announced by Joe Schmidt this afternoon is:
15. Tiernan O’Halloran, 14. Craig Gilroy, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Luke Marshall, 11. Keith Earls, 10. Paddy Jackson, 9. Kieran Marmion; 1. Cian Healy, 2. Sean Cronin, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. Ultan Dillane, 5. Billy Holland, 6. Peter O’Mahony – captain 7. Sean O’Brien, 8. Jack O’Donoghue.
Replacements: 16. James Tracy, 17. Dave Kilcoyne, 18. John Ryan, 19. Donnacha Ryan, 20. Dan Leavy, 21. Luke McGrath, 22. Joey Carbery, 23. Niyi Adeolokun.
.Coonacht players Bundee Aki and Ultan Dillane who signed contract extensions today. Photo: Connacht Rugby Website
ULTAN DILLANE has renewed his contract with Connacht Rugby which will see him at the club for a further two years.
There was much speculation in recent weeks that Dillane could move to home province Munster, but those rumours have been laid to rest this morning.
“Connacht Rugby has given me so many opportunities since I started in the Academy and I’m delighted to have signed on again,” said Ultan Dillane today after signing the two year contract extension.
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“I am enjoying my rugby so much here and am excited about the future of this team and the province,” said Dillane.
The former Trelee RFC man made his 34th appearance for Connacht in Sunday’s bonus-point, Champions Cup win over Zebre.
Dillane graduated from the Connacht Academy in 2015 and made his international debut for Ireland in the 2016 6 Nations when he was called on as a replacement against England at Twickenham.
The 22-year-old made a further four appearances in the Ireland shirt including two test matches against the Springboks during the summer tour of South Africa.
Connacht were also boosted with Bundee Aki signing a new contract with the province.
THERE is speculation that Ultan Dillane could be on his way back to his home province, according to a report in the Irish Independent today.
The former Tralee RFC player has been linked with a return to Munster and is believed to be open to the idea according the article.
The 22-year-old lock played for Munster at youth level before shipping out to the Connacht academy in 2012 and made his senior debut for his adopted province at the end of 2014.
Since then, Dillane has burst onto the Irish national rugby scene earning himself a call-up in this year’s Six Nations. He made his debut for the national side against England at Twickenham and has earned four more caps since.
ULTAN Dillane has had a great May and it’s showed by his nomination for a Radio Kerry and Randles Bros Sports Star of the month award nomination.
The Connacht star is joined by Paul Nagle who won The Portuguese World Rally Championship with Chris Meek and Waterville’s David Higgins who won the PGA Club Professional Tournament in Dunmurry, in the nominations.
Ultan Dillane’s rugby win with Connacht in the PRO 12 was a huge and historic achievement and he is now in South Africa with Ireland preparing for forthcoming test matches.
Voting is now open and will close at midnight on Sunday June 12th.
To vote Call 066 7123666 to register your vote (7.30 to 5.30pm daily) or to Vote on line www.radiokerry.ie/sportsstar/
As usual the monthly winner will be profiled on Radio Kerry’s Terrace Talk and featured on the Radio Kerry Website www.radiokerry.ie/sportsstar/
In March 2017 an event will be held at Randles Dromhall Hotel in Killarney to honour all the winners of the previous 12 months at which the Radio Kerry Sports Star of the Year will be announced.
ULTAN Dillane played a big part as Connacht beat Leinster to claim their first Rabodirect Pro 12 crown.
The Tralee man’s performance came in for some praise on Twitter. Now he has the tour of South Africa with Ireland to look forward to, it should be a great summer for the forward.
Here’s what people were saying about him on Twitter yesterday…
Ultan Dillane with models Tara Guerin and Sarah Burke launching the tag rugby event to be held at Tralee RFC during the Rose of Tralee festival this August. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
IRELAND and Connacht rugby star, Ultan Dillane, was around town last week and his former club were delighted when he visited them at O’Dowd Park.
He was there to hand out awards to members and launch a tag rugby event to be held at the club during the Rose Festival.
Ultan handed out awards to the club’s men’s, women’s and youth teams on Friday, while on Saturday morning it was the turn of the younger members of the club.
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Tralee RFC is running a tag rugby event during the weekend of the Rose of Tralee festival in August and Ultan posed with models Tara Guerin and Sarah Burke to promote the tournament.
Teams from outside of town will be invited to take part in what is expected to be a one-day event, possibly run on Saturday, August 20. More details of the tournament will be released when finalised.
A MAN that is putting Tralee on the rugby world map is back home this week.
One of Ireland’s brightest new stars, Ultan Dillane, is enjoying a week off catching up with family and friends, while also raising awareness for testicular cancer.
“Coming home is a safe haven, I’m happy to chill out, I’ve a week off so time to recuperate and meet the family,” said Ultan Dillane when TraleeToday.ie caught up with him on Thursday.
“I like my outdoors so especially with the weather turning nice, I’ll bring the dog out to Ballybunion and have a few walks by the beach,” said the 6′ 6″ Connacht player.
The former Tralee RFC man is home coming off the back of a win for Connacht against his native Munster which has put his adopted province on joint top of the Guiness Pro 12 with Leinster.
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.Tralee men, Kerry footballer, Barry John Keane and Ireland rugby international, Ultan Dillane are showing their support for Testicular Cancer Awareness month.
Ultan will be hoping to be included in Joe Schmidt’s final squad that goes to South Africa in the Summer to face the Springboks.
“It’s all about how performances go over the next month to see who makes the selection. It’s still about game time and how we preform over the next few weeks. I just got to focus on my own job and if it happens it happens,” he said.
Ultan called into Kerry Cancer Support Group’s offices in Maine Street on Thursday where he and Kerry GAA star, Barry John Keane supported their#keepyoureyesontheball campaign, as April is testicular cancer awareness month.
Testicular cancer is the number one cancer risk for men between 15 and 35 and around 180 young men a year are diagnosed with the cancer. Ultan was delighted to give his support.
“Thankfully I’ve not been affected personally by cancer, but I know people who have and it’s always heartbreaking to hear these stories. It’s not something guys talk about but you’d have your wits about you to stay vigilant,” said Ultan.
ULTAN Dillane is the Radio Kerry and Randles Bros Kerry Sports Star of the Month for March after the public had a chance to have their say for the first time.
Ultan Dillane from Tralee, who plays rugby for Connaught and was called up to the Irish Squad for the recent Six Nations, beat stiff competition from fellow Tralee men Gold Cup winning jockey, Bryan Cooper and Ras Mumhan winning cyclist, Sean Lacey.
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The announcement was made on Monday night’s Terrace Talk. Almost 1,500 votes were received on line, via social media and by phone over a seven day period.
The panel praised Ultan Dillane for his great achievements in the past year, in particular his contribution to this year’s Six Nations campaign and said he has a bright future ahead. Ultan will be Weeshie’s guest on Terrace Talk in the coming weeks.
The Radio Kerry Sports Awards have been running since 2014. For 2016/17 the monthly award nominees will be chosen by a panel, chaired by Radio Kerry’s Weeshie Fogarty with listeners and social media followers then being invited to vote for the shortlisted sports award nominees monthly.
The nominees for April will be announced on Monday May 2.
.Ultan Dillane in action against England two weeks ago.
ULTAN Dillane will have to wait a little longer for his first start in a Six Nations game as he has been named on the bench for the clash with Italy on Saturday.
The 22 year old former Tralee RFC player impressed with his 15 minutes game time against the English two weeks ago in which he made a drive which almost resulted in a try and hopefully we’ll be seeing more of him this Saturday.
The whole of Tralee will be watching as Ireland attempt to salvage some of the season against the Italians at the Aviva and we’re sure he’ll give it his all if he comes on at some stage.
The full team is as follows….
Ireland (v Italy):
15. Simon Zebo
14. Andrew Trimble
13. Jared Payne
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Keith Earls
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best (captain)
3. Mike Ross
4. Donnacha Ryan
5. Devin Toner
6. CJ Stander
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jamie Heaslip
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin
17. Cian Healy
18. Nathan White
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Rhys Ruddock
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Ian Madigan
23. Fergus McFadden
.Ulsan Dillane makes a break for the line during today’s game against England.
IT was a proud day for the Dillane family in Tralee as a local man made his debut for Ireland, making a great impression in the game against England in Twickenham.
The former Tralee RFC player came on with 15 minutes to go and made an immediate impact.
On 70 minutes he was instrumental in a move which saw Ireland drive for the line. There was tremendous interplay between Dillane and van der Flier, with the Tralee man bursting through two tackles and taking a return pass from van der Flier. However, while England infringed five metres out and momentum was lost.
It was a promising debut performance and the whole of Tralee must have been shouting him on in those closing stages. It sets him up nicely to be blooded even further in the final two games against Scotland and Italy. Well done Ultan.
.Ultan Dillane, in the green of Ireland at underage level.
TRALEE man Ultan Dillane has been named on the Ireland bench for Round 3 of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations Championship against England in Twickenham.
It’s fantastic news for the former Tralee RFC who looks set to make his first Ireland debut from the replacements bench, inside the belly of the beast at Twickenham on Saturday at 4.50pm.
He was named today in Joe Schmidt’s 23 man side this afternoon. He will take his place on the bench alongside experienced internationals, Cian Healy, Simon Zebo and Ian Madigan.
Best of luck Ultan, the whole town is proud of you! See team below…
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Ireland team to face England, Twickenham, 4.50pm, Sat 27 Feb
R Kearney (Leinster); A Trimble (Ulster), R Henshaw (Connacht), S McCloskey (Ulster), K Earls (Munster); J Sexton (Leinster), C Murray (Munster); J McGrath (Leinster), R Best (Ulster, capt), M Ross (Leinster), D Ryan (Munster), D Toner (Leinster), CJ Stander (Munster), J van der Flier (Leinster), J Heaslip (Leinster).
Replacements R Strauss (Leinster), C Healy (Leinster), N White (Connacht), U Dillane (Connacht), R Ruddock (Leinster), E Reddan (Leinster), I Madigan (Leinster), S Zebo (Munster).
TRALEE man Ultan Dillane has been named in the Ireland squad for Round 3 of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations Championship against England in Twickenham.
The former Tralee RFC player was released from the squad to allow him to play for Connaught, just days prior to the French game, but now he’s back in the squad preparing to face the old enemy on Saturday at 4.50pm.
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Injury-ravaged Ireland have brought in Dave Foley, Jordi Murphy and Craig Gilroy for the injured trio of Mike McCarthy, Sean O’Brien and Dave Kearney.
Cian Healy and Mike Ross return to the squad after proving their fitness. Tadgh Furlong and Rob Herring are both suffering with thigh muscle injuries so will remain with their provinces to rehab.
The former Tralee RFC player from Clahane was called up to the 35 man squad for the forthcoming Six Nations matches yesterday, but he also received another honour from his province on Wednesday.
With almost 60% of the votes, the Connacht lock Ultan Dillane was awarded the province’s the Player of the Month for December 2015, in association with Hartmanns of Galway and Seiko Watches.
The 6’ 6” 22-year-old has featured in ten games for Pat Lam’s side this season and started both home games in December against Newcastle and Ulster.
“We have known that Ultan was a great prospect for Connacht for some time and now he is getting recognition at another level in the Ireland squad,” said Richard Hartmann, Director of Hartmann Jewellers. “Everyone at Hartmanns is delighted for him and really pleased to be able to present him with his first Player of the Month award. I would say it’s the first of many.”
FORMER Tralee RFC player Ultan Dillane has today been named in Joe Schmidt’s 35 man squad for the upcoming Six Nations Championship.
He is one of four uncapped players included in the squad where Rory Best takes on the captain’s role.
It’s been a meteoric rise for 22 year old Dillane, who has impressed hugely in the second row for Connaught over the past year and joined the Irish squad for preliminary training at the start of the month.
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French-born Dillane moved to his mother’s native Kerry when he was seven years old and played his club rugby with Tralee RFC before attracting the attention of Connacht Academy Manager Nigel Carolan after impressing for Ireland at both under-18 and under-19 level.
Standing at 6ft 6ins, his ball carrying, imposing physicality, and threat at the set piece are just some of his major attributes.
Having made his senior debut for Connacht just over a year ago against Leinster, he signed a two-year contract with the province last January.
Jamie Heaslip has been chosen as vice-captain of the Irish side who play their first game of the Six Nations against Wales at the Aviva Stadium on February 7.
FORMER Tralee RFC player, Ultan Dillane, has been called into Joe Schmidt’s extended Irish training squad for a Six Nations camp at Carton House.
It’s the latest step in the 22-year-old Connacht lock’s progression since he left Tralee some years ago.
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French-born Dillane moved to his mother’s native Kerry when he was seven years old. He played his club rugby with Tralee RFC before attracting the attention of Connacht Academy Manager Nigel Carolan after impressing for Ireland at both under-18 and under-19 level.
Standing at 6ft 6ins, his ball carrying, imposing physicality, and threat at the set piece are just some of his major attributes.
Having made his senior debut for Connacht just over a year ago against Leinster, he signed a two-year contract with the province last January and has now played 16 matches for Connacht since his debut.
