SHAY McCarthy has been elevated from an academy to a senior development contract with Munster, commencing next season.
He will progress to a senior contract for 2026/27.
The 22-year-old six-footer started out at Richmond and won a Munster Schools Boys Junior Cup with St Munchin’s College in 2018.
His subsequent impressive form with Young Munster in the AIL earned a call-up to the Ireland U20s squad in 2022.
Speedy winger McCarthy made his Munster debut against the Sharks in autumn 2023 within months of joining the Academy and was a try-scorer on his Champions Cup debut against Bayonne.
He has already scored two tries in five appearances so far this season.
On the club front (Division 1A AIL), Young Munster – fresh from back-to-back home/away derby wins over great rivals Garryowen – host St Mary’s College at Tom Clifford Park and Garryowen are at Cork Constitution on Saturday next.
In 1B, Shannon entertain Old Belvedere at Thomond Park.
Kick-off for all fixtures is 2.30pm.
In School’s action, St. Munchin’s College host Hamilton High School in the Munster Senior Cup at Thomond Park (1.30pm) this Thursday; elsewhere Glenstal Abbey face Bandon Grammar at Virgin Media Park, Cork (2.30pm).
