There is a great sense of delight in the club this morning after news that our tight-head prop, Brian Boland has been selected for Irish U18 squad training this week. This is a well-deserved honour for the Brian and everyone at Balliina RFC has an extra pep in their step this morning.
We'd like to congratulate Brian and wish him every success in this phase of his development and we also send special wishes to his parents Pauline and Martin and all the Boland clan - we're sure you're all very proud!
Brian played for Connacht U18s this year alongside his club colleagues Patrick Howley and Craig McCormick (pictured) and impressed everyone who came across his path with his attitude and talent.
Brian has progressed through the club all the way from Mini Rugby through U13, U14, U16 and U18 and has always been marked out as a player to keep an eye on. His elevation towards international level is great credit to all involved and there are a lot of proud coaches in the club this morning but this story is also a huge boost for the advances made in school's rugby in the general Ballina area in recent years.
Gerry O'Donnell, Russell O'Brien and others have been driving the development of rugby in the schools of the region and it's wonderful to see Brian, from St Muredach's, making such strides in the game.
Great adventures await!