Rhode's Paraic Sullivan focused after recovery

Stepping onto the O’Moore Park sod tomorrow, Paraic Sullivan would have every reason to allow himself a moment. A fifth Leinster club final in 10 years with Rhode is an achievement in itself but his return to play from a second cruciate injury has been just as admirable.

Of course, he won’t indulge himself. The club are still looking for their first provincial senior title and there is a game to be won. He can’t say he’s back to his best but he’s getting there. After the operation in April last year, he chronicled his rehab in his absorbing onlytwiceplease blog. Writing about it kept his recovery on the road.

“When it happened a second time it was devastating and you question life, sport, the whole thing. We had after been beaten in a fourth Leinster final (by their opponents tomorrow St Vincent’s) and after giving so much it’s taken from you. “The blog made it easier. It helped me connect with other people and because I was putting myself out there it made me keep standards.