Smyth recalled by Ireland

Annadale’s David Smyth has returned to Ireland’s squad for a tri-nations event against Canada and Italy after an 18-month absence.

Smyth, who has won 46 caps, has been absent because of work and other commitments but has been included in coach Dave Passmore’s 17-man squad after impressing in the All-Ireland Club Championships last weekend, in which his club finished second.

“David demonstrated his talent in Cork last weekend and I am delighted he has returned the squad,” said Passmore.

“He is technically very able and will give the Irish team different dimensions to our game in terms of how we can attack from the back line.”

Ireland play Italy on May 27 and Canada on May 29, both at Garryduff Sports Club, Rochestown, Cork.

Squad: W Bateman (gk), J Black, M Black, D Eakins, S Nicholson (Cork Harlequins); P Brown, M Irwin (Instonians); K Burns, D Hobbs (Cork C of I); S Butler, J Sherriff (Dragons, Belgium); T Cockram, M Raphael (Lisnagarvey); G Elliott (Pembroke Wanderers); C Henderson (gk, Corinthians); G Shaw, D Smyth (Annadale).