Shape I’m In: Dave Kearney, Rugby Player

FROM the family farm in the Cooley Peninsula, Co Louth, to the grounds of the Aviva stadium, rugby player Dave Kearney’s life has largely been lived out on the green fields of Ireland.

It’s a game that’s in his blood. Following his primary education at the local school, he joined his two older brothers at Clongowes Wood College in Co Kildare. His father David attended the same school and played with Dundalk Rugby Club. “There’s a lot of history there,” says Dave who started playing rugby at the age of ten.

As a professional rugby player, his world revolves around sport. “When you’re not on the pitch or in the gym, you are always thinking about what you are doing — on your feet too long, not getting enough sleep, not getting enough food,” he says.

He acknowledges his lifestyle couldn’t be more different than that of sports stars 20 years ago who often partied hard into the night. “It has changed a lot — it was pints more than salads back in those days,” he says.

Aged 24 and single, long-term career plans are focussed on the world of business — he already has a diploma in business management from DIT and is starting the degree course in September.

Dave spoke to Feelgood before he sustained a serious injury in match last month and is currently recovering from surgery on the anterior cruciate knee ligament. (Check out his Twitter account for snaps of him in hospital and doing his grocery shopping.)

* Dave Kearney and his brother Rob are ambassadors for the National Dairy Council, which marks its 50th anniversary this year.

What shape are you in?

Being a professional athlete you have to be in somewhat decent shape. Obviously training hard, working hard, training in the gym every day, being on the pitch every day in itself is putting you in good shape. It’s down to you to make sure your diet is sufficient and you’re eating the right foods, fuelling your body with the right stuff. On a day off, I personally like to do a Pilates session — it’s good for your flexibility and your core strength, which has been pretty helpful for me in terms of injury prevention.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Salad — you can’t really get much healthier. The key every day is to try and lay off the carbs — to eat as little as you can, in relation to the amount of training we are doing.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

After a game I usually tend to pig out and have a pizza. There’s a place called Base WFP that’s a favourite of mine.

What would keep you awake at night?

Being too warm in bed. It’s important that athletes get good sleep — I like to get at least eight hours a night

How do you relax?

Switching off from rugby and not thinking about it. Going out, playing a few games of golf with your friends when the weather gets good. Staying at home to play on the PlayStation — I play FIFA. These are all easy ways to switch off.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’d like to have dinner with David Beckham and Barack Obama.

What would you change about your appearance?

No. I don’t get too caught up in my appearance.

When did you last cry?

Sometimes watching the odd movie. I probably wouldn’t burst into tears but I would be a small bit emotional.

What trait do you least like in others?

Tight people.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Sometimes I can be too laid back and not get things done.

Do you pray?

No I don’t. I go to Mass two or three times a year and that would really be it.

What would cheer up your day?

The sun coming out.