A scintillating lineup!
This Ireland XV goes out to those who may not have received the same fanfare or recognition as others as the years went on. To those who have watched other, less talented players go and reach 50 Ireland caps or win leagues and cups.
While their primes of the players may have been short, their stars burned the brightest.
These are men that the streets won’t forget.
Loosehead prop – Denis Buckley
The best ever passer of a ball, not just of Irish front rowers, but of all Irish forwards, and a world class jackaler in his heyday.
Was a cornerstone of the 2016 Pro14 winning Connacht side, and not the last from that team to make this selection.
A crying shame he never got capped internationally.
Hooker – Tom McCartney
Came over to Connacht from the Blues in 2014 as a wily and experienced operator, before retiring in 2020.
Would have qualified for Ireland under residency rules in 2017.
Tighthead prop – Tony Buckley
Standing at 6ft 5in and over 21st, the Munster behemoth was one of the largest and most naturally powerful players we have seen on these shores.
A joy to watch in both red and green, and always good for a spectacular highlight or two.
Lock – Ultan Dillane
After bursting onto the international scene with a fantastic cameo off the bench against England in 2016, it was expected that the rangy Connacht hybrid would get more than 19 caps for Ireland.
Nonetheless, he has carved out an exceptional career for himself, and is still playing at a high level in La Rochelle, with whom he won the 2023 Champions Cup.
Lock – Aly Muldowney
Connacht’s best player the year they won the Pro14, but is largely forgotten outside the province.
The Englishman was Irish qualified and it is strange he never got a look in.
Blindside flanker – Neil Best
There was only one option to put at No 6.
Possibly the most savage and aggressive player to wear the white of Ulster and green of Ireland.
His time playing for his country was brief, but God was it satisfying.
He was once described as looking “a bit mad” by a fearful sounding Keith Wood on commentary.
Openside flanker – Keith Gleeson
Definitely a contender for most underrated Leinster player of all time.
Was a classic No 7, and owned Toulouse in that famous 2006 Heineken Cup quarter-final.
Number eight – Robin Copeland
The son of a Wexford farmer, Copeland took the scenic route in his rugby career; learning his trade in the AIL, before paying his dues for Plymouth and Rotherham in England.
He enjoyed the most fruitful period of his career at Cardiff, with his performances in Wales earning him a move to Munster, which resulted in an Ireland cap.
Scrum-half – Paul Marshall
The type of scrummie that could be so frustrating to play against.
Always looking for an advantage around the ruck with a cheeky snipe.
Out-half – Ian Madigan
The Blackrock College alumnus is the most established player in this team, and his achievements in the game might disqualify him from ‘streets won’t forget’ status for some.
But there is no doubting that his early days at Leinster, full of flash and high-risk play, will last long in the memories of those who lived through them.
Left wing – Fionn Carr
A pacy man who loved beating players and scoring tries.
His highlight reel is a thing of beauty.
Inside centre – James Downey
If you were in need of gainline success or big hits, then Downey was your man.
He managed to nab himself an Ireland cap as well, against Canada in 2013.
Outside centre – Eoin O’Malley
The Belvedere College man was earmarked as Brian O’Driscoll’s successor at Leinster.
Alas, injuries put paid to those notions, forcing him to retire at the age of 25.
But he didn’t leave without giving us some fond memories.
Right wing – Rory Scholes
It looked for all the world that Scholes would play for the Ireland senior side.
He dazzled for the U20s and carried on that form during his early days with Ulster.
Sadly his career just fizzled out, with very few professional appearances to show for it.
Fullback – Tiernan O’Halloran
Circa 2015/2016, the calls for him to start over Rob Kearney were loud, and rightly so.
The Galway man terrorised defences in the league and always impressed on Ireland duty.
