Because it happened outside traditional parameters, Shane Horgan's accelerated progression to senior inter-provincial level is all the more laudable. It also marks a definitive vindication of the Youths system within Irish rugby.
Drogheda can hardly be acclaimed as a nursery of budding young rugby players, but it was in Delvin and then Drogheda rugby clubs - they have now merged to form Boyne RFC - that Horgan undertook his rugby apprenticeship.
The accepted fast-track to success usually incorporates a starring role at schools rugby but for Horgan the outlet was the Irish Youths team. He enjoyed two seasons on that national side playing against the Scots and Welsh twice and also Spain: it established his reputation as a centre of potential.
His development was such that after two years on the Irish Youths, he was given a part-time contract with the Leinster senior team, playing several matches for the A side and making one appearance on the bench for the elite XV. Last season also heralded his progression to Lansdowne's first team and a coveted place on the Irish under-21 team.
At 19, the gangly youth had exceeded his own expectations and admits that he still marvels at the opportunities that presented themselves. "To be honest I never thought that I would make the under-21s. But then Sheldon Coulter was unlucky with injury and I played well in a couple of trial games. I knew some of the names but I did not equate myself to that level.
"Suddenly I was in alongside Cian Mahony and we were playing internationals."
Ireland, under the captaincy of Leo Cullen, won the Triple Crown, only losing narrowly away from home to France. Horgan played in all four matches and established a reputation as a strong-running centre.
Once again his progress was measured. Leinster coach Mike Ruddock offered the talented young centre a full-time contract during the summer and with it a regular place on the Leinster side. Though the province's results have occasionally dipped, the 6 ft 3 in, 15-stone centre has generally performed very capably, a fact recognised by national coach Warren Gatland.
Horgan was included in the preliminary 46-man Irish squad and came within a whisker of making the recent streamlined 28-player version, losing out to Pat Duignan.
Despite his meteoric rise Horgan remains pleasantly unaffected. "I have been very fortunate with the opportunities that have presented themselves," he says.
"I know that I still have plenty to learn. In fact this season I have not been entirely happy with my performances. I have been too hot and cold. I think that I thrive in open games, whereas I am less conspicuous when a match is more structured. I don't demand enough ball and I need to make a greater impact."
Horgan pays tribute to the influence that a number of strong figures, all with something to impart, have had on him: his father, John, former Drogheda coach, New Zealander Eddie Tarrant, Heindrik Kruger, Kurt McQuilkin, Ruddock and Martin Ridge. In analysing his strengths and weaknesses the 20-year-old is commendably frank. "I think I have the ability to beat any player with the ball in hand, one-on-one. I am at my happiest in broken play. In relation to areas I have to improve I suppose the biggest single thing is my concentration.
"In the Connacht match I possibly cost Leinster the game with one missed tackle. I need to get bigger and stronger and take more responsibility."
He has identified several immediate goals: "Retaining my place on the international under-21 team, making an impression with Lansdowne in the AIL and if my game is good enough then perhaps take things a little further in terms of the national squad: but that will be for others to judge."
The quiet determination is tangible but for a young player who grew up in the GAA heartland of Bellewstown, Co Meath and who "swapped Gaelic football and rugby depending on how I was doing at each," there are no barriers to inhibit his progress.
Targets are there to be accomplished. His talent suggests that all goals are within his compass.
