Some tenacious tackling from Letterkenny man Joe Dunleavy helped Ireland’s U20s overcome Scotland in their final home game of the Six Nations Championship tonight.
It was a huge night for the former Letterkenny RFC man and his family who now plays his rugby with Malone and Ulster.
The back row forward put in a huge shift as Noel McNamara’s side overcame Scotland 30-25.
Joe’s proud father Mick told Donegal Daily/Sport Hub that he was very proud of his son after he won his first cap.
“I thought he did really well and we’re all just delighted that we could be here tonight to see him playing,” he said.
Mick was accompanied by his wife Josephine as well as his own 80-year-old father, Mick, Joe’s grandfather at Donnybrook.
It was also a huge night for Letterkenny Rugby Club where Joe first cut his teeth.
It’s an even bigger achievement considering Joe was still playing his rugby with Letterkenny U18s two years ago.
Many of his old coaches at Letterkenny including Gordon Curley and Boyd Robinson as well as other club members Robin McDowell, Alen McCrea and Robert Love also attended the game.
Robert Love said “It was great to see a bit of history in the making. We’re all delighted for Joe and his family and we’re hoping this is just the start of a great career in rugby for him.”