*Ireland celebrate winning the Under 20 Six Nations championship. Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
BAREFIELD DUO, Tony Butler and Ethan Coughlan and Kildysart’s Conor Moloney are Grand Slam winners following Ireland’s success in the U20 6 Nations.
Both products of the Ennis RFC underage ranks, Butler (Garryowen FC) and Coughlan (Shannon) have had quite the season which included making their debuts for Munster in the Heineken Champions Cup alongside Conor Moloney from Kildysart.
Ireland’s Grand Slam glory was almost certain before a kick to touch on Sunday but Richie Murphy’s side sealed the success in a commanding fashion overcoming Scotland 59-5 running over nine tries at Musgrave Park.
They have become the first Irish U20 side to win a Grand Slam while taking down France and England away and amassing 29 tries. Four of their five games resulted in try scoring bonus-point wins.
Introduced from the bench on the fifty fifth minute, the Clare pair took to the field at the same time with Butler slotting three conversions from three attempts. Coughlan had a key role to play in the eighth try, he found hooked Josh Hanlon with the vital pass before he ran over the line.
Kildysart’s Moloney though not part of the matchday 26 was introduced as a substitute in the second round to help close out the vital win over France in Aix.
