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.