Civic reception proposed for Mayo's international rugby players

Plans are progressing to host a civic reception for senior rugby international Caelan Doris and U20 Ireland stars Fiachna Barrett and Harry West, writes Trevor Quinn. 

Fine Gael Cllr Jarlath Munnelly proposed a motion last year asking Mayo County Council to honour the current members of Irish rugby squads who are from Mayo, as well as Mayo men and women who wore the green jersey in the past.

“I proposed that motion last year and it was for everybody who has been capped (for Ireland). There are some young women as well as men who have been capped at underage level. The civic reception is for anyone who has played international rugby.” 

Cllr Munnelly congratulated Caelan Doris on captaining the Ireland team to their recent resounding 36-0 Six Nations win over Italy.

Cllr Annie May Reape, Cllr Seamus Weir and Cllr Gerry Coyle all joined in the congratulations.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Loftus insisted he fully supports the idea of a civic reception.

“It would be a lovely thing to do,” he said. “Caelan has brought honour to his family, his community and especially to Ballina,” he added.

Martina Hughes, Mayo County Council’s Head of Communications, said the council had been in contact with Caelan Doris, Fiachna Barrett and Harry West about the matter.

“We were just waiting for the date to get the three confirmed and Caelan Doris’ agent has been in contact with me as recently as December,” she said. “It is underway and we just have not confirmed a date yet.”