Rising rugby star Henson already making his mark

Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council

Andrew Henson: Young Sportsperson of the Year finalist

Andrew Henson has already packed a huge amount into his short sporting career so far and the past year has been particularly memorable for the teenager from Moydrum, Athlone.

Last March, Andrew helped Marist College to win the Connacht Schools Senior 'A' Cup. Henson scored the vital late try (one of two he contributed in the final) which clinched a dramatic 33-29 victory in the final against Sligo Grammar School. It was the first time for the Athlone school to lift the trophy since 2013 and their fourth in total.

Henson's impressive performances for the Marist and his club Buccaneers RFC have led to international recognition. Andrew was picked on the Ireland Schools squad for a special anniversary international against England. He was selected on the Ireland squad for the Six Nations U18s Festival in France, and was chosen on the 'team of the tournament'.

He was also on the Ireland U-18 Schools squad for an international tournament in South Africa last August. France, England and Georgia were Ireland’s opponents along with two squads from the host country.

At the Connacht Rugby Awards earlier this year, Andrew was chosen for the 'U18 Player of the Year' award by virtue of his performances for Marist College.

Currently in his second year as part of the IRFU National Talent Squad, Andrew is still in school in the Marist and is joint captain of the school's senior rugby team this year.

A dashing full-back and an adept placekicker, Andrew has won a number of honours with Buccaneers, including a Connacht U-17 League title and a Connacht League and Cup double at U-16 level.

Andrew has also excelled in Gaelic football for Garrycastle, Marist College and indeed Westmeath at underage level. At the moment, such is the impact that Andrew has made in rugby over the past few years that his sporting future looks like it will primarily involve the oval ball. But whatever sporting path he chooses, Andrew is undoubtedly a name to watch out for in the future.

Andrew hails from a renowned sporting family, with his father Karl having won several Westmeath senior championship medals with Garrycastle, while Andrew's mother Nicola has been actively involved with Athlone Swimming Club. Indeed, Andrew also showed considerable prowess in swimming and equestrian competitions as a youngster.

Andrew's sister Amelie was on the Westmeath team which claimed the Leinster LGFA U16 'B' title this year, also winning a Division 1 county title with Garrycastle.

The Young Sportsperson of the Year category is sponsored by the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.