IN A COMPLETELY good way, St Michael’s College has a lot to answer for. The Ailesbury Road, Dublin school completed the Leinster School Junior and Senior Cup double in 2012. The feat, fittingly, drew the attention of Leinster and Ireland’s underage coaches and their players are starting to make a mark on a national level.
Seven of that St Michael’s team are in the Ireland U20s team currently preparing for a Junior World Championship semi-final against England [Sunday 6:05am kick-off]. Five start on Sunday — Cian Kelleher, Ross Molony and the half-back pairing of Nick McCarthy and Ross Byrne.
Having emerged from a winning environment, Kelleher is taking the U20s path to the semi-final in his stride. Still, he told TheScore.ie, Ireland have too often met their match in England and he is eager to check that run in its stride.
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He said, “I played England at U18 and U19 level and lost to them both times. We were there or thereabouts each time and [in this season's Six Nations] were unlucky to fall ball 13-0 so early. We battled back to make it close at half-time but they started well again and got away from us.”
Ireland travelled to New Zealand with little fanfare, despite coach Mike Ruddock proclaiming his team could go all the way if they started strong and top their group. That strong start did not materialise against France — a game in which Kelleher scored a try — but wins over Wales and Fiji put Ireland in the last four for the first time ever.
Kelleher crashes over to score against France. Photosport / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO
Photosport / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO
“We didn’t need anyone telling us every game was a must-win after France; we knew ourselves. Denying France the bonus point meant the pool was still in our hands. With the Baby Blacks [New Zealand] losing to South Africa we knew there was still a chance.
“We were really happy with how it went against Fiji. The lads up front effectively took care on the bonus point and it was great for the backline to chip in, through Ciaran Gaffney and Conor McKeon.”
If Ireland can get past England, the fulback is eager to face the hosts and the current star of the tournament. “Tevita Li from the Baby Blacks has been so impressive. He’s always a threat with ball in hand [four tries in three games] and has ridiculous gas.”
Kelleher, who was in fifth year when Michael’s captured the 2012 double, is impressing on at fullback at JWC 2014 but has featured, in the past, on the wing and was trialled at centre earlier in the season. With his parents travelling down to see their son in the biggest tournament of his life, the 19-year-old is confident Ireland can go all the way.
“On a couple of down days we have dropped into Auckland and have had Irish people [who are living in New Zealand] coming up to chat and wish us all the best. We have met several locals and Maoris who told us they have been cheering for us all tournament. The English back three is very talented but we’re confident that we know how to deal with them.”
Cian Kelleher confident Ireland U20s can topple England to reach JWC final
IN A COMPLETELY good way, St Michael’s College has a lot to answer for. The Ailesbury Road, Dublin school completed the Leinster School Junior and Senior Cup double in 2012. The feat, fittingly, drew the attention of Leinster and Ireland’s underage coaches and their players are starting to make a mark on a national level.
Seven of that St Michael’s team are in the Ireland U20s team currently preparing for a Junior World Championship semi-final against England [Sunday 6:05am kick-off]. Five start on Sunday — Cian Kelleher, Ross Molony and the half-back pairing of Nick McCarthy and Ross Byrne.
Having emerged from a winning environment, Kelleher is taking the U20s path to the semi-final in his stride. Still, he told TheScore.ie, Ireland have too often met their match in England and he is eager to check that run in its stride.
He said, “I played England at U18 and U19 level and lost to them both times. We were there or thereabouts each time and [in this season's Six Nations] were unlucky to fall ball 13-0 so early. We battled back to make it close at half-time but they started well again and got away from us.”
Ireland travelled to New Zealand with little fanfare, despite coach Mike Ruddock proclaiming his team could go all the way if they started strong and top their group. That strong start did not materialise against France — a game in which Kelleher scored a try — but wins over Wales and Fiji put Ireland in the last four for the first time ever.
“We didn’t need anyone telling us every game was a must-win after France; we knew ourselves. Denying France the bonus point meant the pool was still in our hands. With the Baby Blacks [New Zealand] losing to South Africa we knew there was still a chance.
“We were really happy with how it went against Fiji. The lads up front effectively took care on the bonus point and it was great for the backline to chip in, through Ciaran Gaffney and Conor McKeon.”
If Ireland can get past England, the fulback is eager to face the hosts and the current star of the tournament. “Tevita Li from the Baby Blacks has been so impressive. He’s always a threat with ball in hand [four tries in three games] and has ridiculous gas.”
Kelleher, who was in fifth year when Michael’s captured the 2012 double, is impressing on at fullback at JWC 2014 but has featured, in the past, on the wing and was trialled at centre earlier in the season. With his parents travelling down to see their son in the biggest tournament of his life, the 19-year-old is confident Ireland can go all the way.
“On a couple of down days we have dropped into Auckland and have had Irish people [who are living in New Zealand] coming up to chat and wish us all the best. We have met several locals and Maoris who told us they have been cheering for us all tournament. The English back three is very talented but we’re confident that we know how to deal with them.”
Penalty try treble sends Ireland under 20s into JWC semi-finals for first time
Ireland U20s to face England in semi-finals of the JWC
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