CIAN KELLEHER HAS informed his Connacht team-mates of his decision to leave the western province at the end of the season, ahead of a reported move back to Leinster.
Connacht have confirmed to The42 that they will lose the services of the 24-year-old winger at the end of the current campaign, in news first reported by The Irish Independent.
Kelleher, who came up through Leinster’s academy before opting for a switch west in search of regular game-time, has spent the last three seasons at the Galway Sportsground.
It is a major blow for Andy Friend and the province as the head coach looks to build his squad for a return to the Heineken Champions Cup, as well as courting success in the Guinness Pro14.
Former St Michael’s College flyer Kelleher progressed up through the academy system at his native province but after making seven senior appearances for Leinster, moved west on a two-year deal ahead of the 2016/17 season.
An injury-disrupted first season in Galway was a frustrating start to life with Connacht for Kelleher, but he has since established himself at the club, scoring 14 tries in 44 appearances.
Leinster have not yet confirmed the re-signing of the former Ireland U20 international, but his addition to Leo Cullen’s squad will add depth to their back three chart for the 2019/20 season.
Kelleher would, however, face stiff competition to break into the European champions’ squad with the likes of Jordan Larmour, James Lowe, Adam Byrne, Barry Daly, Fergus McFadden, Joe Tomane, Dave Kearney and Rory O’Loughlin all currently on the books at the eastern province.
In a statement on his social media pages this evening, Kelleher said: “It’s with a heavy heart that this will be my last couple of months with Connacht Rugby. I want to thank everyone for their support over the last two and a half seasons, the supporters, the staff and the players.
“The welcoming I received made me feel right at home from the very beginning and made me instantly fall in love with a special place. I’ve made best friends and memories which I will cherish forever.
“Looking forward to finishing these last couple of months now on a high with some silverware.”
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Just looking at it for a minute as I flicked around the channel and it seems a shame to have so many empty seats for an all Ireland final. I sure the football final in two weeks time would be something similar. Would it not be an idea to play both the football and the camogie final on the one day. It still wouldn’t fill the stadium and it would save the cost of opening the stadium for a second day.
@mickmc: or Gaa fans could support their county teams.
Very good idea Mickmc … then you wouldn’t have to post you sarcasm again next Sunday.
@Adrian Costigan: Well the economic reality is they don’t support this particular code in any great number. Ideally the game should be played in a smaller stadium but of course that would be regarded as sexist blah blah blah. Holding the two games the one day like in the quarter finals of the men’s competition would make much more economic sense.
@Rory Murphy: Can’t see there too many empty next sunday
Sincerest apologies… read your initial comment wrong… thought you were on about next week! … how daft do I feel now.
Go on the Rebelettes!!! Rena Buckley, what more can you say 18 AI medals. A warrior
HT Cork the better team so far but havent managed to put it on the scoreboard.First ten in the second half will tell alot.
Doesn’t make sense having it on in Croke Park. A bit embarrassing really – an all Ireland final and only 10 or 12 thousand in attendance. Varadkar doesn’t look too happy being there.
Cork the far better team but Kilkenny are clinging onto them.
@John Ryan:In fairness Varadkar did not look any happier last sunday when those strapping lads from Galway went up the steps to him.:-):-)
Rena Buckley is a phenomenon, what a sportsperson.
Eimear O’Sullivan for Player of the Match, she was outstanding!!