Kildare's Tadhg Beirne finally set for Six Nations debut

Eadestown native Tadhg Beirne has achieved his Six Nations debut at long last - and is starting in the Ireland team to play Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

The talented forward, who turned 27 a few weeks, ago still only has four caps with Ireland despite very strong performances for Munster this season.

Beirne is from a local well-known family as his sister model Alannah Beirne is a former Dancing With the Stars Ireland contestant and his mum Brenda is a previous Rose of Tralee winner.

News emerged from the Carton House training camp that second row Iain Henderson has a knee injury which paved the way for Beirne to step in at Lock alongside James Ryan.

Beirne made his international debut during last summer's tour of Australia.

He missed the first two rounds of the Six Nations due to a knee injury.

Many rugby fans were disappointed that the Kildare man didn't feature in the squad that defeated France last weekend.

Beirne is known for his high rate of turnovers against opposition teams and his strong tackling and impressive running in open field play.