Back-three player, Ethan McIlroy, burst onto the scene when he made his debut against Leinster in December 2019. This performance, along with his outings in the Ulster ‘A’ Inter-pros and Celtic Cup matches, earned him an Academy contract for the 2020/21 season. Since then, McIlroy from Ballynahinch has featured regularly in Senior Ulster match-day squads, and he signed a Development contract for the 2021-22, before he moves to a senior contract in 2022.