Ireland U20s aim to maintain winning run

IRELAND bid to make it three straight wins in this season's U-20 Six Nations Championship when they take on Italy at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Friday night (kick-off: 7 pm). Ireland made the perfect start when accounting for a decent Wales squad in the opening round in front of a huge midlands crowd at the Athlone stadium. They then topped that performance with a magnificent victory over a highly fancied France in snowy Grenoble. With two successive 'Electric Ireland' home fixtures coming up at Dubarry Park, they will be keen to build further momentum as they bid for the title. Midlands followers will be looking to see local favourites, Athlonian Daniel Qualter, Carrick-on-Shannon's Shane Layden ('Electric Ireland Man of the Match' against Wales), and Conor Finn from Ballinasloe (all from the host club Buccaneers) in action, along with Mullingar's Conor Gilsenan, now of UCD and Leinster. The Buccs trio could be joined by clubmate and Connacht front-rower Diarmuid Higgins, who was in the squad that performed heroics in France. Connacht should also be further represented by Corinthians pair Aaron Conneely and Kieran Marmion in a team captained by Ulster out-half Patrick Jackson. Leinster's Jack Conan is a dynamic No. 8 and Munster centre JJ Hanrahan is another exciting prospect in this solid Ireland team, where Iain Henderson of Ulster partners Qualter in the second row. Ireland's front row trio of Kyle McCall, Niall Scannell and Peter Reilly are the foundation rock of the side, having more than measured up to two bigger front row units in the wins over Wales and France. There's a great spread from around the country in the make-up of this Ireland squad. And with the road network now making it convenient and quick to get to Dubarry Park from most parts, another bumper crowd is expected to attend on Friday night. In recent seasons, a considerable number of these players have gone on to play at full international level, so Friday is an ideal opportunity to come along and see the latest group up close. Sean O'Brien, Jonathan Sexton, Cian Healy, Keith Earls and Sean Cronin are just some who have gone on to represent Ireland at Senior level. James Hook, Leigh Halfpenny, Jonathan Davies and Toby Faletau (Wales), Owen Farrell and Danny Care (England), Maxime Medard and Louis Picamoles (France), and Alex Blair and Ruaridh Jackson (Scotland) are players from the other Six Nations countries who have won full caps for their countries after playing U20s in Athlone. Tickets Tickets for the Ireland v Italy game can be bought in advance at The Bounty/Dubarry Park and also from Musicworld, Golden Island Shopping Centre, Athlone. Demand is strong again, particularly for Stand tickets at €20 each, so early purchase is recommended. Ground/Terrace tickets are €15 each, while OAP/Student tickets cost €10. Family tickets at only €30 for 2 adults + 2 children are available. Discount vouchers for schoolchildren are distributed to secondary and national schools in the region. Discounts are also available for groups. Contact the club's Administrator, Geraldine at 086 1732711 to book. Cash will also be taken at the turnstiles. Pre-match tables are also available. Cost per person is only €40 which covers a three-course sit-down meal and wine, as well as reserved seat in the Stand. Again, contact Geraldine by phone (086-1732711) or email (rugby@dubarrypark.com).