Suitcase Number Seven: a memoir of Munster’s forgotten hero

TOM CLEARY was once synonymous with all that was good about Limerick, Munster and Irish rugby.

Wed, 12 Oct, 2005 - 01:00
Charlie Mulqueen

But, don’t go running off to check how many caps he gained for his country.

While Cleary was one of the great scrum-halves of his generation, ill fortune declared he never got to pull on the green jersey in a full international.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Cancel anytime

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Asenathi Ntlabakanye is tackled by jimmy O’Brien 9/5/2026 South Africa prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye to miss World Cup due to 18-month ban
Jack Crowley 12/5/2026 'We'll need him': Clayton McMillan knows Jack Crowley's importance to Munster 
Jack Crowley 12/5/2026 Jack Crowley back at 10 as Munster name team for URC showdown with Lions 
CourtsRugbyPlace: South AfricaPlace: Carrick-on-Suir,Place: Co TipperaryPlace: CastleknockPlace: LimerickPlace: MullingarPerson: Tom ClearyPerson: ClearyPerson: John O’MearaPerson: Andy MulliganPerson: TomPerson: Ursula Kane CaffertyPerson: Brendan GuerinPerson: Leo LynchPerson: William (Boldy) O’NeillPerson: John NestorPerson: Mick EnglishPerson: HelenPerson: UrsulaPerson: GerryPerson: AnnEvent: MunsterEvent: Leinster Schools Senior CupOrganisation: MunsterOrganisation: LimerickOrganisation: BohemiansOrganisation: CastleknockOrganisation: Bohemian club
<p>BLOW: Ulster captain Iain Henderson pensive after being shown a red card against the Stormers at Affidea Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile</p>

Iain Henderson hit with three-game ban, misses Ulster's Challenge Cup final in Bilbao

READ NOW

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Latest

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Donal Lenihan
Donal Lenihan

Inside rugby

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited