Cappamore proud of Bull who became a Lion

THE story of “The Bull” who became a “Lion” provided a delightful backdrop to Cappamore Show in Co Limerick yesterday.

But there was no mystery when it was explained how rugby legend John “The Bull” Hayes got the call up to the British and Irish Lions squad earlier this year.

His parents, Michael and Marie Hayes, had just completed the silage work on their family farm just down the road from the show grounds.

It led to a hurried and dramatic trip to South Africa for John, who resides nearby with his wife Fiona and their two children, three-year-old Sally, and five-month-old Roisín.

They, along with his mother and mother in law, Maureen Steed, headed to South Africa, to see him play with the Lions.

John has won 94 caps with Ireland while Fiona has 62 caps from her time playing with the Irish women’s rugby team.

He was training with the Irish squad yesterday but his mother said he hoped to be along to the show later.

Loyalty to Cappamore, which is fiercely proud of his rugby achievements, was not, however, the only reason he planned to put in an appearance.

His mother is the chairwoman of the 100-member organising committee for what is hailed as one of the country’s foremost rural shows.

Marie Hayes, who is also president of Limerick County Federation of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, attributed the success of the show, first held in 1954, to the co-operation of many people.

“It is very much a community event. Everybody wants to become associated with it.”

She paid particular thanks to the Gleeson family for making their land available and to adjoining landowners for parking facilities.

Veteran show secretary Paddy Ryan said it was important to retain the spirit of co-operation that was always a feature of rural Ireland.

The show’s reputation as a shop window for quality cattle was again underlined with exhibitors attending from as far away as Donegal. There were also large entries in the horse showing and jumping classes.