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7th July 2025
03:46pm BST
The most pleasing aspect of Ireland's 34-5 win over Georgia on Saturday, was the six new players that made their debuts.
In the starting side, Darragh Murray and Tommy O'Brien were named, with Michael Milne, Jack Aungier, Tom Ahern, and Ben Murphy coming off the bench.
As is tradition, the six lads were made sing a song of their choice in the dressing room after the clash.
O'Brien went with Katy Perry's 'Firework', Ahern went old school and chose 'The Gambler by Kenny Rogers, Murray belted out 'Country Roads' by John Denver, Milne went the crowd-pleaser route by choosing Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline', Aungier went with the best song of the lot, singing 'Piano Man' by Billy Joel, and Ben Murphy decided on the karaoke-classic, 'Angels' by Robbie Williams.
After scoring two tries, Tommy O'Brien said: It was a crazy good start.
“I have to thank Sammy (Prendergast) for them. He helped me out. Listen, when it comes like that you just grab it with both hands.
“I played a good few big games recently for Leinster, so the nerves were okay. I was a bit emotional listening to the anthem now alright.
“I guess I was just thinking back to the people at home that were watching, probably seeing me up on the screen and stuff. I was just delighted to give them a great day out.”
On his own debut, Ahern added: “It feels amazing. It’s a dream come true. It’s something I have wanted for a long time, so it’s a very special feeling.
“I had a few injuries and setbacks but look, that’s part of the game. To finally get an opportunity to put on the jersey tonight is an unbelievable feeling.
“I wasn’t too nervous. There was a lot of excitement to be honest. I was just absolutely buzzing to get an opportunity to play for this team. It’s a special group of players and I’m delighted to get a chance to play with them.”
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