A Connacht rugby player who made his debut from the bench to play for Ireland during the recent Six Nations game against Italy has his roots firmly placed in Fermanagh.

His performance at the Aviva marked his first cap for Australian born Finlay Bealham, who qualified to play for Ireland through his Enniskillen grandmother.

The 24-year-old prop’s granny was formerly Sadie Ferris from Enniskillen, who passed away four years ago; she married the late Harry Gill and they had one daughter Andrea (who married Roy Bealham) the parents of rugby talent Finlay.

Sporting prowess runs in the family as boxing legend Gordon Ferris is a close relative (the late Sadie being a sister of Hammy Ferris, Gordon’s father).

Finlay was born in Canberra, where he played rugby from an early age and he came to Ireland five years ago.

One of five Connacht players who played in the Six Nations Game against Italy, it proved a memorable experience for Finlay, whose parents were in Australia when the match was being played.

“We were able to watch it on TV in Australia,” said Andrea, who has since come over to visit her mother’s home county. Andrea grew up in England, before emigrating to Australia in 1977.

Finlay, the eldest of three children, and his family have always had strong links with the county, where his mother mentions that they still have lots of relatives. In fact, when her husband Harry passed away, Sadie returned to live in Fermanagh in the early nineties. “Finlay was very close to his grandmother,” said Andrea.

Finlay’s family have been very excited about his recent achievement, which Finlay’s father Roy describes as “fantastic.” He says the family are very appreciative of the support of a number of people including Ulster coach Allen Clarke, Connacht academy coach Nigel Carolan, and Ireland Under 20 coach Mike Ruddock. 

The young man has been a regular visitor to Enniskillen - having travelled here during his time with Belfast Harlequins, when he was with Ireland under 20s and with Connacht. Frequent visits would have been paid to the Lakeland Forum, where Finlay would do his weight training.

“Prior to that he was no stranger to Fermanagh, having visited his granny and family as a youngster,” said Andrea, who along with husband Roy planned to visit him in Galway on Good Friday.