Flannery: I’m still learning the game

WHEN Frankie Sheahan was fully ensconced as Munster’s number one hooker, Jerry Flannery wondered if he should forget about a career as a professional rugby player and go help his dad, also Jerry, to run the family pub in Limerick city.

However, Sheahan was unfortunate enough to pick up a long-term injury and Flannery suddenly found himself a key member of a side on its way to Heineken Cup glory in Cardiff.

He was so impressive in that campaign, he would proceed to pull on the red jersey 70 times — 22 in the Heineken Cup — while also winning 23 Irish caps.