This article is from page 60 of the 2011-03-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 60 JPG
LIAM Óg Murphy from Ennis who currently plays rugby with Young Munster received his first cap for Ireland at the weekend after he was selected on the Ireland Club XV.
The Ireland Club XV is a team which is picked from non-professional players of the AIL League in Ireland and gives players an opportunity to represent their country with great recognition. The team beat the Scotland selection 32-30 last Friday and Liam Óg made his first appearance for Ireland when he was brought on as a substitute 62 minutes in.
This was a major honour for Liam Óg and The Clare People spoke with him to see how he was feeling about it all.
“Certainly one of my goals at the start of the season was to make the Ireland Clubs team.” Having accomplished this he was delighted to get a bit of the action last friday,
“It was a bit surreal going out and wearing green on your back. I’m just happy I was involved.”
He sees this as a big stepping stone in the hope of furthering his international career. “There’s a couple more like myself who have been picked and are seeing this as an opportunity for higher honors with Ireland.”
Liam Óg was part of the USA under 19 and 20 rugby team’s that took part in the World Cup a few years ago and he felt it was a great chance for himself to play international rugby.
“I played about twenty minutes the last day which gave me a good enough chance to prove myself so hopefully I’ll be in with a shot.”
The Ireland Club XV will host England this Friday at Anglesea Road (Kick-off 5.30pm) and they will be looking for revenge from their 29-25 defeat last year. The Clare People would like to wish Liam Óg the best of luck with his international career.