03/11/2003

Howe wings his way to Rugby World Cup

Ulster's Tyrone Howe was expected to arrive in Australia today after being called up to the Ireland rugby squad in place of injured winger Denis Hickie.

Howe was called into the squad by coach Eddie O'Sullivan after Hickie ruptured his Achilles tendon during last weekend's 17-16 defeat by Australia in Melbourne.

While the 32-year-old Dungannon man is unlikely to start this Saturday's quarter final tie with France, he should provide adequate cover for Munster's John Kelly who will replace Hickie in Ireland's starting 15.

This will be Howe's first trip to a World Cup despite being picked for the 1995 and 1999 tournament's. Ironically, injury ruled him out of both of those.

His selection also comes on the back of a tremendous performance in last Friday's Celtic league game against Glasgow where he scored a tremendous solo try running the entire length of the pitch.

Hickie's achilles tendon injury is likely to see him out of the game for several months.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

17 September 2014
Object Sparks Fermanagh Security Alert
A security alert has been sparked by the discovery of a suspicious object in the village of Blaney, County Fermanagh. The object was found in the Innishbegg Cottages area this afternoon. Police and army bomb squad officers have attended the scene.
16 September 2013
Woman Arrested After Gun Is Found In West Belfast
A woman has been arrested after a suspected gun, ammunition and other items were found in west Belfast. Police were alerted to the property in Magnolia Park in Twin Brook on Sunday. Officers from the army bomb squad removed the items for forensic testing. The woman has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
12 November 2010
Bomb Alert Sparks Westlink Chaos
There was traffic chaos in Belfast yesterday evening as a security alert sparked by the discovery of two suspicious devices in south Belfast closed the city's main carriageway for most of the afternoon.
07 April 2003
Man appears in court over cannabis haul
A 63-year-old man has appeared in court today in connection with a £750,000 seizure of cannabis resin. Joseph Michael Tully, of Granemore Road, Keady, appeared before Armagh Magistrates Court charged with possessing cannabis and having it with intent to supply.
07 February 2005
Villa star named in NI squad to face Canada
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has included Aston Villa’s Steve Davis in his 20-man squad ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Canada at Windsor Park.