| Shane’s happy to choose England
 By
Cornelia Lucey
New England rugby sensation Shane Geraghty insists he has no regrets over
choosing the Red Rose of England over Ireland.
The London Irish fly-half came on as a second-half substitute against France
last week and made himself an instant Twickenham hero when he created a
try for Mike Tindall in the surprise 26-18 victory which boosted Ireland’s
hopes of landing their first Six Nations Championship in 22 years.
But having played for Ireland’s under-16 team and with his father
hailing from Castlebar in Co. Mayo it could all have been very different
for the 20-year-old.
Shane said: “A few years ago Brian Ashton, who is now England
coach, approached me to ask if I’d like to join the National Academy
which he headed. I was impressed by the quality of the training and the
opportunity it gave me Ireland never approached me.
“Besides, I have always considered myself British I was born here,
raised here and went to school here.
“My Irish parents are pleased that I play for England and they’re
ecstatic that I get to play international rugby. They come to watch me play
with my brothers Kieran and James.
“I have to say though my dad was even happier when I helped beat France
to better Ireland’s chances of the Championship.”
Shane has played the majority of his club rugby in the London Irish A team
and represented England at both under-18 and under-21 level but now finds
himself tipped for a place in this autumn’s World Cup in France.
The Exiles sent their congratulations to Shane last week after his exceptional
contribution to England’s win over France in the Six Nations.
Stephanie Lennon from the London Irish press office said: “From
Shane’s point of view although both his parents are Irish he sees
it that he’s been brought up in England and has always been proud
of the English part of him too.
“I’m second-generation Irish as well but I’ve been brought
up in a traditionally Irish way so there’s no confusion on my part
which side of the line I fall.
“In the end I suppose it’s also about opportunity and luck for
Shane it could have gone either way.”
Irish President Mary MacAleese in her address to the British Council last
week argued maybe it’s not all bad news that Shane opted to play for
England.
She said: “Geraghty helped England to victory over France last week
and in so doing helped Ireland’s chances of winning the Six Nations.”
|
