Offaly man to line out with Ireland under 20s tonight

OFFALY man Robert Carney will line out with the Ireland Under 20s when they take on Italy in their Six Nations encounter at Musgrave Park in Cork on Friday night.

The Ballyskenach man, who played underage hurling and football with Offaly, comes in to the Number 13 role for the game with the Italians, who have given Ireland plenty of problems in recent seasons.

Robert attended Cistercian College Roscrea where he lined out with their Cup teams and currently plays with Cashel RFC in the All-Ireland League.

Cashel extended congratulations to him on his great achievement. “Huge congratulations to our first team player Rob Carney, set to start at 13 for the Ireland U-20s against Italy Friday night in Cork. A fantastic achievement for Rob and the Carney family. We wish him and the team the very best of luck.”

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Ireland lost their opening game in the Six Nations away to France last Sunday while Italy were beaten at home by Scotland, so both teams will be looking to improve their fortunes on Friday night.

Italy beat Ireland in last year's championship, 15-12, while the year before in Cork, Ireland were lucky to scrape home by a single point, 23-22, so they can expect another tough battle against the Italians.

Robert and his brother Fionn are both very talented sportsmen. They both played minor football and hurling for Offaly and have enjoyed success with their home club, Ballyskenach/Killavilla. They also lined out with Cloghan in 2023 and helped them with the Offaly Minor A football title. They also enjoyed success on the GAA field with Cistercian College, as well as played on their rugby teams.

It will be a big night for Robert on Friday night as he makes his first start in the Six Nations for Ireland.

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