'It does eat away at you' - Joe McCarthy and Ireland eager to atone for Paris

Opening the Six Nations on a Thursday night did at least give the Ireland squad a greater degree of room to breathe before reconvening this week for Italy’s visit to Dublin. McCarthy used his down time by playing PlayStation with his brother Paddy.
NO ORDINARY JOE: Joe McCarthy is ready to bounce back against Italy. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady.

NO ORDINARY JOE: Joe McCarthy is ready to bounce back against Italy. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady.

Thu, 12 Feb, 2026 - 06:30
Brendan O'Brien

Just over 26 minutes played in Paris and Ireland were on the rack.

Already 12-0 down, Andy Farrell’s side was frantically plugging gaps in its own 22 as the French came again when Joe McCarthy jumped the gun from the side of a ruck.

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