New Connacht Deals For Conneely And Healy
Connacht are continuing to develop their squad for next season with Academy graduate Aaron Conneely and winger Matt Healy the latest players to sign new deals with the province.
Aaron Conneely has three years with the Connacht Academy under his belt. Under the guidance of Nigel Carolan, the 21-year-old back rower has flourished.
His performances with the Connacht Eagles this season have led to his promotion to the senior squad on a one-year development contract.
The Galway-born forward, who attended Colaiste Iognaid and played all his age-grade rugby with Corinthians RFC, was part of the Connacht Under-20 side that took the Grand Slam in the Interprovincial Championship during the 2011/12 season.
He has also represent Ireland at Under-18 Schools and Youths, Under-19 and Under-20 level.
Commenting on his new deal with the westerners, Aaron said: “I’m delighted to have signed a one-year contract with the senior squad here.
“I’ve developed as a player with Nigel and the Academy over the last three years. It means a lot to me being from Galway and I’m really looking forward to another season with my home province.”
Matt Healy has also put pen to paper on a one-year deal with Connacht. The 24-year-old winger joined the province last summer from Lansdowne FC and has been consistently involved with the Connacht Eagles since his arrival.
The former Gonzaga College pupil earned his first senior cap against Leinster in the Christmas interprovincial clash at the RDS.
Healy has been capped nine times for the Ireland Under-20s, playing in the 2009 U-20 Six Nations and the IRB Junior World Championship.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first year with Connacht and I’m so pleased to have signed for another season,” admitted Healy.
“There’s great work being done here and a lot of changes for the season ahead. We’re constantly striving to improve on the pitch year on year and I’m excited to be part of that going forward.”