The Con Version

Many believe Cronan Healy is the most abrasive, aggressive winger in Irish club rugby — he’s also one of the most productive, says Diarmuid O’Flynn

HE’S A mere 5’8”, 11st 7lb full-fed, yet Cronan Healy is probably the most instantly identifiable player on the Cork Con side that will face UL Bohs in today’s AIB League Division 1 semi-final in Temple Hill.

It’s not just the fact that, in his own words, he’s “follicly challenged”, making him a favourite target for opposition fans; it’s his attitude on the field, the way he plays. Abrasive, aggressive, always looking for work, for the ball, looking for contact, perpetual motion; think Peter Stringer on the wing.

Where does it come from, this aggression? Brother Tom went to Bermuda a few years ago, has now broken onto the West Indies 7s team, but has also become a boxer. While we’re at it, whence comes the speed of the rugby-playing Healy brothers? Cronan grins and explains; sometimes there’s less to it than meets the eye.

First, there’s the pace — or is it? “I don’t know about that, maybe the quick feet make us look faster. Rugby isn’t so much about pure speed, it’s footwork, changing angles, being quick off the mark. You may not be the quickest over 100 yards but if you have ability to change pace, spot the gap, accelerate over 10 yards, you can surprise people, score a lot of tries.”

Cronan certainly does that, the main man for Con since his move a few years ago from Sunday’s Well (via UCC and Highfield — a “bit of a journeyman”). And the aggression? “It’s either in you or it’s not,” he says. “Being a small person you want to prove yourself that bit more. Contact is only so much about strength, it’s much more about mental strength. Someone like Denis Leamy is proof of that, he’s not the biggest forward out there but boy, he packs a punch. Timing in the tackle is very important, as is technique; people who don’t play rugby are amazed when they see someone like Peter Stringer take down a big forward, but if your technique is good, you’ll make the tackle.”

What about the boxing? In Bermuda it springs from an idea players can sort out any differences in the ring, after the game. Would Cronan like to see that idea introduced here?

“I suppose the Cork scene is so small there’s always going to be a beef with someone so it would probably be a great way to vent your anger! ! For Tom, I don’t know where the boxing ability came from but he’s three wins from three, so he must be useful.”

Whatever about pugilism, there is another sport that appeals to Cronan, a sport which he credits for expanding his own rugby talent. “I’m from Waterfall, play GAA with Ballinora.

“I’d prefer the rugby, but I love playing the football. You’re back playing with the people you grew up. I love it, and it helps the rugby, gives you a better football understanding. Rugby can be so robotic, but in football you have to think about things a lot more, always be two or three steps ahead. Football gives you that extra football intelligence, you have to be able to think on your feet, adjust. Being able to solo while looking up rather than just running head down, knowing where people are — that’s football. Also it helps you become two-footed in your kicking game.”

And today’s meeting with UL Bohs. To most people’s surprise, holders Shannon were pipped at the post by their two Limerick rivals, Garryowen and Bohs. Their absence leaves Cronan with mixed emotions.

“I don’t have a favourite ground, but I love playing Shannon. Their supporters are great. Being close to the sideline I’d always get it from them, and I like to give a bit back. On the field every team in Ireland respects them for what they’ve done for club rugby. You’d like to think that their absence should make things a bit easier for us, but I’m disappointed to a certain extent. Bohs are a different challenge. They don’t have anything to lose, really, having finished in fourth, all the pressure is on us. We topped the league, we’re at home, we’ve had a history of not getting through so we have something to prove. Being a college team, they’re willing to throw the ball around, have the likes of Ben Martin, a great player; Martin McPhail, a former contracted player; Coleman Finn, he’ll dent any backline. We’ll giving UL-Bohs full respect, but we feel we’ve enough in our own strengths to beat them.”

Spoken like a true warrior.