Carty and Ward impress on foreign soil

BARRYMORE native Jack Carty made his debut for Ireland's under-20 rugby team at the ongoing IRB Junior World Championships in South Africa last weekend, but couldn't prevent the Irish squandering a half-time advantage, as they eventually lost 2-15 to reigning Six Nations champions England in Stellenbosch. However, the young Buccaneers star was then a key player as Ireland bounced back from the defeat to England when hammering group minnows Italy 41-12 yesterday (Tuesday), kicking eleven points in a convincing victory for the Irish. At time of print, Ireland's victory, coupled with a bonus point gained against Italy, left them in with a chance of qualifying to the semi-finals. As things stood, before the South Africa and England match, Ireland topped the group but needed South Africa to beat England but with neither side earning a bonus point. Ireland had gone into the second group game in very high spirits, having surprised the host nation South Africa in the opening round of fixtures. Carty, a star player locally with Buccaneers, didn't see any action in the victory over South Africa, but was a 68th minute substitute against England, thus earning his first cap at this level. JJ Hanrahan, of UL Bohemians, and Corinthians' Kieran Marmion were Ireland's try scorers last Saturday. The five-point loss, coupled with South Africa's 52-3 victory over Italy, left Ireland third in the group table but still in contention to finish in the top two ahead of the final Pool B game against Italy. Meanwhile, Moate boxer Joe Ward might be facing an anxious wait regarding the potential receipt of an Olympic Games wildcard, but that didn't play on his mind as he looked impressive at a challenge tournament held in France last week. Light-heavyweight Ward, from Farnagh, Moate, claimed victories over Moroccan Amhed Barki (12-1) last Thursday, before then beating German Kevin Kunzel (12-5). Ward was then awarded a walkover when French boxer Diabra Bakiri couldn't fight. The tournament was used as vital preparation for Ireland's Olympic Games qualifiers, including Michael Conlon and John Joe Nevin. Ward is currently awaiting word from the Olympic Games Tripartite Committee to see if his Olympic dream stays alive by virtue of a wildcard entry.