NEW ROSS man, Tadhg Furlong, made history for himself at the weekend when he became the first man ever from the district to line out in a senior World Cup rugby game with Ireland.

The former New Ross Rugby Club member and current Leinster Tight Head Prop joined the field of play shortly after the 63 minute mark as Ireland trounced a spirited Romania for their second successive group victory.

Mr. Furlong, who is from Campile, came on as a substitute alongside veteran Irish rugby legend, Paul O’Connell, and was immediately in the thick of the action.

Prior to his travelling to the championships he met with the Echo and said it would be a dream come true to get the chance to play for his country on such a prestigious stage.

Thankfully, that dream came through on Sunday afternoon much to the delight of his family, friends, and former teammates in New Ross.

His mother, Margaret, was at the game and spoke to the Echo about what it was like seeing her son take to the field in front of 80,000 people on the world’s biggest stage.

“Obviously, it was a very proud moment for us as his parents,” she said.

“However, we were more pleased for him because it’s what he’s always wanted,” she added.

Mrs. Furlong, along with her husband, Jim, was at the both of Ireland’s first two group games and the couple are planning to attend the final group stage match against France in two weeks time.

“It was great to see him on,” she said.

“We were at the game in Cardiff and we have made plans to go to the France game as well and hopefully he will get another chance but even he doesn’t know at this stage how it will go,” she added.

Mrs. Furlong said the family has been overwhelmed by the level of support and expressions of goodwill they’ve received from friend and neighbours over the last couple of weeks.

“It’s just been fantastic and has been a huge show of support,” she said.

“I haven’t gotten around to answering half of the texts and calls yet,” she added.

She then spoke of her pride in seeing Tadhg don the famous green jersey.

“It was a very proud moment for us that’s for sure,” she said.

The couple met their son briefly after last weekend’s game and Mrs. Furlong said he is thoroughly enjoying the experience.

“He is really enjoying it all at the moment and when we met him after the game they were already packed and ready to head for Guildford where they will be training this week,” she said.

Ireland’s next match is against Italy and everyone in New Ross and across county Wexford will be hoping that New Ross Rugby club’s most successful sportsman to-date will once again feature in the line-up.