Irish player with Kilkenny roots ready to quench Welsh Dragon’s fire

There isgreat excitement in a corner of county Kilkenny today as a man with local roots has been picked to start for Ireland in this today’s Six Nations opener against Wales.

Hugo Keenan, whose mother hails from Tybroughney in Piltown, has been selected at fullback for Ireland’s match in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium this Sunday afternoon.

The 24 year-old Leinster speedster made his Ireland and Six Nations bow last October, bursting onto the scene scoring two tries from the wing in a 50-7 demolition of Italy.

Keenan, whose family in Tybroughney have deep roots in the Carrick-on-Suir rugby club, will line out for his seventh cap. He will be joined by experienced Munster wing Keith Earls and Lenister’s James Lowe in an exciting back three.

Tadgh Furlong, who hails from Horeswood, just over the border in county Wexford, returns to the Ireland squad following a lengthy lay-off to take his place on the bench.

Kick-off in Cardiff is 3pm.