Kearney gets international career off on right foot

ONE moment during the victory over Scotland convinced rugby aficionados that Ireland had unearthed a rare gem in the person of Rob Kearney.

Prior to that game it often seemed as if the young man from Dundalk had a powerful left boot but that the other leg was just there for standing on. So when the Scots launched a probing kick into the Irish 22 to the right of the posts and Kearney was the last man back, home fans held their breath and wondered what would happen next.

Totally unfazed, the former Louth gaelic footballer gathered in his stride, steadied himself and launched a powerful clearance that crossed the touch line within 10 to 15 metres of the halfway line — with his right leg! It was a fascinating cameo that brought home just what a talented, all-round footballer Kearney had developed into.