Gilroy plays down Ireland hopes

Ulster’s try-scoring hero Craig Gilroy has been fending off suggestions that his superb touchdown against Munster on Sunday will put him on the Ireland tour of New Zealand this summer.

“Who knows, I’ll concentrate on Ulster,” said the young Ulster winger, who was happier discussing the significance of Sunday’s 22-16 win in the Heineken Cup quarter-final at Thomond Park.

“It was very important for Ulster,” said Gilroy. “Thomond Park isn’t an easy place to go and play. We’re delighted with the win and hopefully there’s a bright future for us.

“We’re gradually achieving our goals, whether that’s in the RaboDirect or the Heineken Cup. We believe we can go all the way.”

Gilroy also paid tribute to his colleagues, experienced players such as Ruan Pienaar and Stephen Ferris, as well as coach Brian McLaughlin.

“It’s extremely encouraging, we have some of the world’s best players on the team, and playing alongside them is brilliant. I’m really enjoying that.

“Brian’s very important, he’s been a fantastic coach to us. He gave me my opportunity – against Cardiff a year ago – and he’s shown great faith in me.

“I felt we did well defensively to frustrate Munster, and when we turned over ball we definitely would have had a crack. We didn’t just kick it every time, we felt we had a talented backline and wanted to ship it – we proved that on the day.”

For the record, Gilroy offered a step by step breakdown of his try: “Stefan (Terrblanche) put me away down the left wing. It was a good pass from him, and really it was a flash after that. I beat one defender, then managed to step inside again. I saw the try-line – I probably should have passed a couple of times – and went for it. It was right in front of me (the try-line) and I thought, ‘sure try’, then I saw (Lifeimi) Mafi coming for me. From the start of the season Brian (McLaughlin) has been telling me to transfer the ball and fend off. That was in my head and I managed to get over.”