Munster Wing Shay McCarthy Secures Five-Game Streak After Season of Bench Time
The Limerick native has started his last four matches, including a try-scoring performance against Racing 92, after limited senior action in previous years.
By Takeshi Davidson ·
Shay McCarthy is currently enjoying his most consistent run in a Munster jersey. The wing has started five consecutive provincial matches, a streak that includes a try-scoring effort against Racing 92 in a 33-25 victory at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
McCarthy’s path to regular selection has not been linear. A trial with Brighton and Hove Albion fell through at age 15 due to a broken ankle. He later played soccer and Gaelic games at a high level in Limerick, winning All-Ireland titles with Fairview Rangers and the Limerick District Schoolboy League. He eventually settled on rugby, which he began playing at age five.
His professional development has been steady but slow. He made his Ireland Under-20 debut in 2022 and joined the Munster Academy the following year. His first season brought a Champions Cup debut against Northampton Saints and seven senior appearances. However, the next two campaigns saw limited action. Last season, he played mostly club rugby in the AIL, with only one Munster appearance. That start came early in the season against Connacht.
McCrediton credits his multi-sport background for his current skill set. He notes that kicking and catching high balls, developed through soccer and Gaelic football, directly benefit his rugby game. He also points to the attacking philosophy of coaches Jared Payne and Mossy Lawler. He says the back three are receiving more touches under this system, a change he describes as exciting to watch.
The opportunity to start came on October 3rd when Clayton McMillan selected him against the Bulls. He has retained his place since. His start against Racing 92 was only his second European appearance in three years. He scored Munster’s second try in that match. He is expected to start his fifth game in a row on Saturday against the Sharks at Thomond Park.
McCarthy acknowledges the frustration of last season’s limited opportunities. He states that he decided to get back into the squad because he wanted to influence games. He says he prefers being on the wing to standing on the bench in the cold. He remains focused on doing his job, noting that he is not overly nervous before games and that the team is performing well against strong opponents.
