Mike Ross to prop up Phil Leahy election bid

When it comes to launching a drive, it’s nice to have a famous strongman in your corner. Most wannabe politicians usually get a big name from the Dáil to launch their election campaigns, but one has instead opted to call on the services of Ireland rugby prop Mike Ross.

Standing 6ft 2in and weighing in at nearly 20st, the front-row legend is a handy man to have standing next to you as you announce your intention to run for a seat on Cork County Council.

That’s what Phil ‘Philly’ Leahy intends to do on March 22 at Fermoy Golf Club when he kicks off his campaign as a Fine Gael candidate.

Mr Leahy said he asked the rugby player — who he said doesn’t have any political affiliations — because he is hero to many Irish people, and especially in their home village of Ballyhooly in North Cork.

“I said I’d go for him to launch it rather than some high-profile politician. My farm and his family farm are only a mile apart and we’ve all known each other for years. I was delighted when he accepted.”

Next Saturday it’s likely that Mr Leahy and his friends will be in a local pub watching Ross and his teammates take on Italy.