Local trio feature for Ireland U-18 teams

THREE young Buccaneers players have been starring for Ireland at under-18 level over the past week. Both Callum Boland and Jack Carty represented their country during Ireland's Under-18 FIRA-AER European Championship final defeat to France in Treviso, Italy, last Saturday. Meanwhile, fellow Buccaneers clubman, Daniel Qualter, also donned the green shirt late last week, lining out against Wales in the opening game of this year's Under-18 Five Nations Festival. Athlone native Qualter, who represents Sligo Grammar School, was also set to play in Ireland's second Under-18 Five Nations Festival match against England yesterday (Tuesday). Boland played the entire game as Ireland fell to a 27-3 defeat to a strong France side at Treviso, and kicked Ireland's only score, a penalty, three minutes into the second half. Carty came on as a replacement, as France overwhelmed Ireland in the decider for the third year running. The French overpowered Ireland and brought a level of aggression to the game that the Irish couldn't handle, with prop Sebastien Taofifenua (2), flanker Alexandre Derrien (2), and full-back Jordan Matier all touching down for tries. The Irish squad for the European Championships was somewhat diluted though, with players from the schools involved in the Under-18 Five Nations in Wales, and was mostly made up of club players and exiles. Qualter played the entire game as Ireland opened the Under-18 Five Nations Festival with a 24-18 loss to Wales at Llandorery last Friday. The Athlone teenager has also represented Roscommon in Gaelic football at minor level, and he plays club football for Clann na nGael. Daniel's father, Seamus, is the current Roscommon senior hurling manager, and he previously managed the Westmeath hurlers, guiding them to two Christy Ring Cup titles.