Michael Lowry will never forget scoring two tries on ’emotional’ Ireland debut

Full-back Michael Lowry admits he will “never forget” his dream Ireland debut after lighting up Dublin with an electric display in the Guinness Six Nations.

The 23-year-old capped a spellbinding first Test outing by claiming two of nine Irish tries in Sunday’s crushing 57-6 bonus-point success over Italy.

Much of the post-match focus was on the beleaguered Azzurri being forced to play more than an hour two players short due to a debatable regulation.

But that could not dampen the mood of outstanding Ulster player Lowry, who was left sporting a couple of facial wounds following an exceptional start in the green jersey.

“It’s everyone’s childhood dream to just play for Ireland and to get an opportunity playing Six Nations is unbelievable and a moment I’ll never forget and an emotional one,” he said.

“And to top it off to get on the scoresheet is even better.

“I tried to enjoy myself. We’ve worked hard and I suppose that’s the tough part, the start of the week and getting on page with everyone, and this is the fun part going and playing games.

“I just tried to compose myself and not let the emotion get to me. Everyone loves scoring a try and to get it on your debut is class.”

An ultimately one-sided affair deviated from the norm inside 19 minutes when Italy substitute Hame Faiva was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Dan Sheehan with Ireland leading 7-3.

Faiva had only come on to the pitch 10 minutes earlier because of Gianmarco Lucchesi’s dislocated elbow and his dismissal left the Italians without a recognised hooker.

That caused uncontested scrums and, under World Rugby laws, also forced Kieran Crowley’s visitors to sacrifice an additional player, with the departure of unfortunate number eight Toa Halafihi effectively