Two Stars Commit to Connacht

20 year old Connemara native O'Halloran is a product of the Connacht Academy and made his senior debut for the province against the Scarlets in 2009/10 season. The former Cistercian College schoolboy has won 20 caps to date for Connacht and has played in all but one of Connacht's games this season scoring four tries. He also holds the honour of scoring Connacht's first ever Heineken Cup try in the narrow defeat away to Harlequins back in November. O'Halloran has also represented Ireland at U18 and U19 levels and has played seven times for Ireland U20's including last summer's U20 World Cup in Italy.

Michael Swift is Connacht's most capped player and the only man to have represented the Province over 200 times. Connacht fans will get to enjoy another season of big hits and powerful scrums as the 6'5, 18 stone lock has agreed a year's contract extension. "Swifty" joined Connacht in 2000 and has played in some of the clubs biggest games including the visit of South Africa in 2007, the Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final against Toulon in 2010 and the visit of Toulouse to the Sportsground earlier this year.

Head Coach Eric Elwood:
"We're hopeful to have Swifty back this week as we all know what he gives to the club week in week out. Amongst the staff, the management, the supporters he's a legend and this contract is richly deserved, it's fantastic."

Tiernan commented:
"I am delighted to commit to Connacht for a further two years. Despite some difficult recent results I remain optimistic that this group of players can achieve great things and I want to play my part in that effort. Eric Elwood and Nigel Carolan have played major roles in developing my career as a professional player and as a local lad I'm very excited at the prospect of continuing that development here at Connacht "

This announcement follows the re-signing of young centre pair Eoin Griffin and Dave McSharry who have both also committed for a further two years.

Connacht Head Coach Eric Elwood spoke about the re-signings:
"Tiernan has been every present this season, he's put himself out there, he's got the contract on merit and he's deserved it. The consistency in his performances have been there and he's been one of our top players so we're delighted to have him sign up for two years."