Players whose families hail from Tipperary help Irish rugby team to Grand Slam glory

Two players whose families come from Tipperary helped the Irish rugby team to secure the Six Nations Grand Slam yesterday.

Jimmy O'Brien made a Six Nations home debut when he replaced Hugo Keenan just before half-time in the 29-16 victory over England at the Aviva Stadium, which secured Ireland's fourth Grand Slam.

Keenan was injured in the incident that led to England's Freddie Steward receiving a red card.

Jimmy O'Brien's parents, John O’Brien from Northfields and Caroline Fitzgerald from Glenconnor are originally from Clonmel.

The 26-year-old Leinster player was born in Eadestown, county Kildare and played his schools rugby with Newbridge College.

The former Ireland Sevens international is a skilful, versatile player who will be looking to nail down a place in Andy Farrell's squad for this year's World Cup, which will be held in France from September 8-October 28.

Above: James Lowe (left) and Jimmy O'Brien celebrate Ireland's victory over England at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Farrell has previously stated of O'Brien "He has all the hallmarks of a great, composed international player.

“Somebody who can do what he does in many different positions, and he doesn’t flap around panicking about moving positions.

"He’s just being himself wherever he’s picked. Those things are pretty important in any international squad”.

Above: Hugo Keenan with his father Paul, mother Avril and partner Emma Hempenstall after Saturday's match against England at Aviva Stadium. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Coincidentally, Hugo Keenan, the player that O'Brien replaced, also has strong Tipperary connections.

His four uncles and his grandfather all played with Carrick-on-Suir rugby Club over the years.

He met his many relations from the Dowley family of Tybroughney when he kicked off Carrick RFC's centenary celebrations by visiting the club recently. 

In a game that was tight and tense for long periods, final quarter tries from Robbie Henshaw, Dan Sheehan and Rob Herring got Ireland over the line to capture the Six Nations Championship and a fourth Grand Slam, to add to those previously won in 1948, 2009 and 2018.