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.

Knowing the man affectionately called “The Bull” as well as he does, Declan Kidney, who has coached him at provincial and national level for many years, was understandably wary of saying too much about this amazing character.

“Everyone says tight head is the cornerstone of any side and no more so than John”, said Kidney.

“To amass 90 caps is a phenomenal record and a testament to his professionalism and the way he has gone about it. I suppose if I was to really say what I think of John, we’d be here for another 20 minutes and he probably wouldn’t thank me for it.

“It’s another milestone and please God he’ll have a few more after that. I’m delighted for him and his family. I hope things go well for him and knowing John, all he’ll want is to get a result in this one and that’s the best way he’ll remember it.”