Hayes set for 90th cap

CAPPAMORE farmer John Hayes, plays his 90th international for Ireland against France at Croke Park on Saturday, an amazing achievement for a man plying his trade in the most physically demanding position on the pitch and not least when you are three months into your 36th year.

Whereas the interview room in Limerick’s Strand Hotel yesterday was littered with members of the Irish squad, as usual there was no sign of the man himself.

He doesn’t do interviews unless there is no escape and remains the most humble sportsman you can imagine. It’s not that he is discourteous in any way — nothing could be further from the truth. He always has time for a salute and a chat but that’s about it.