The son of a former Westmeath and Offaly footballer is in line to make his Irish rugby debut against South Africa tomorrow.

Tiernan O'Halloran, who starred at full back for Connacht in their recent Guinness PRO12 success, has been named among the replacements for the second test against the Springboks in Johannesburg. His father Aidan won an All-Ireland medal with Offaly in 1982, having first come to prominence with the Carmelite College, Moate team that claimed Hogan Cup honours in 1976.

Aidan began his inter-county career with his native Westmeath before controversially transferring to their neighbours and arch-rivals, with whom he won a three-in-a-row of Leinster titles between 1980 and '82. He lined out at left half forward in the 1981 All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry, which Offaly avenged in some style 12 months later when Seamus Darby's famous late goal stopped the Kingdom's five-in-a-row bid.

Sadly for Aidan, he suffered a broken nose in the time between the Leinster final and All-Ireland semi-final against Galway, and failed to make it back in time for the final.

Aidan's job with Bank of Ireland later brought him to Clifden where he and his wife Maire reared their three children. It will be another proud moment for the family if 25-year-old Tiernan sees action against South Africa tomorrow afternoon.

Tweet

Most Read Stories