Eoin Griffin has come through the Connacht Academy system under the guidance of Academy Manager Nigel Carolan. He earned his 1st Academy contract in 2009 and quickly came to the attention of the Senior coaches with his blistering acceleration and neat footwork. He has 9 caps for Ireland U20, scoring a try against Argentina and Samoa in the IRB Junior World Championships last year as well as tries against Wales and England in the 2010 U20 6 Nations. The earned the Man of the Match award for his part in Connacht's 26- 22 victory over Samoa last November.
Dave McSharry joined Connacht this season having Leinster Academy. The 21 year old former Templeogue schoolboy has played for Ireland at U18 level and was a member of Ireland's U20 World Cup squad in the summer. At 1.88m and 94kg McSharry has already proven his credentials playing for UCD in last season's Ulster Bank League and is quickly becoming known as a key component in the Connacht defensive line. Dave's attacking prowess came to the fore last weekend when he earned the RaboDirect PRO12 Man of the Match as well as scoring a try in Connacht's narrow defeat to Treviso. Dave has been an ever present fixture in the Connacht XV since making his debut back in November, earning his second cap for the Province in Connacht's maiden Heineken Cup game against Harlequins in the Stoop.
Speaking about the signing:
Dave:
"The best way to develop for us young lads is playing games and that's what we are getting to do here, I'm delighted"
"I had no hesitation when the contract was put in front of me. I have played in a few huge games now and those games can do wonders for you. Playing in those big games is worth 10 training sessions. This is what I want to be doing, playing as much as possible. I'm delighted"
Eoin:
"Well I'm from here so I'm delighted to be playing for Connacht and with Dave for another two years. Hopefully that will go well, we have played together (Ireland U20's) so I'm really happy, happy out to be here for two years"
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