HE’S Portumna born and bred, has the Cannings and Damien Hayes as neighbours, and was good enough to win an All-Ireland minor hurling medal with Galway in 2000.

IRELAND, conquerors of South Africa, aim to continue their impressive momentum against the USA at Lansdowne Road this afternoon, (1pm).

USA coach Tom Billups is under no illusions about the task facing his Eagles as they prepare to face Ireland at Lansdowne Road next month.