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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Mark Donlon

Finlay Bealham describes 'emotional moment' with family after Ireland's Twickenham win

Ireland's Finlay Bealham spoke of the 'emotional moment' shared with his family at Twickenham after the Connacht star was on hand to score Ireland's fourth and final try which saw off England.

The 30-year-old had only just entered the fray moments before his try-scoring contribution took place, and his effort secured a bonus point for Ireland - but an added bonus for Bealham was meeting his elated family after the full-time whistle.

Having plied his trade with Connacht for the last decade, Australian-born Bealham has been busy in the West of Ireland - and had not seen his parents for two years due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on travel to Australia.

And after the elation of victory over England, the prop was even more delighted to share the moment with his mother and father who were at the game.

He said: "I had my parents there, who I hadn’t seen for the last two and half years with Covid.

It was a really special day for the team, and for me personally as well.

"I got to meet them after the game in the crowd and it was a really emotional moment for us and that I hadnt seen them in the last two and half years it was really special for me.

Ireland's Finlay Bealham celebrates the win with his family (©INPHO/James Crombie)

"It’s a day that my family won’t forget."

Bealham's try three minutes from time handed Ireland a bonus point win, but Bealham passed on credit to James Lowe, who he said was crucial to the opening.

He said: "It was brilliant to get one and unreal to score, thanks to James Lowe’s carry.

"It was a lovely team try."

And Bealham credited Ireland's resilience in standing strong against an English onslaught which at one point looked as though it might have threatened the outcome of the game, pointing out that Head Coach Andy Farrell was pleased overall.

He said: "He [Andy Farrell] was really proud of the performance.

"It was backs to the walls stuff but we stayed in the game really well."

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