Proud clubs boosted by old boys’ win
The former Munster boss turned aside the proffered plaudits, aiming them instead at those whom he felt had got all those players to where they now are.
Everyone was included, everyone from his predecessor Eddie O’Sullivan and one of Eddie’s coaching assistants, Niall O’Donovan, back to those who give their time to coach at underage, at schools level and in the clubs.
It was genuine praise by a man who himself has been through all those various levels, and in two clubs at least, it was praise that was really appreciated.
John Hayes was a latecomer to rugby but when he did eventually venture up the road from his native Cappamore to Bruff RFC, he was welcomed with open arms by the likes of current senior manager Micheál Leahy.
By contrast Denis Leamy was immersed in the game from a young age, and one of his first coaches in Cashel RFC was current club president Peter Silke. “It was great to hear that little mention by Declan,” said Peter. “We all know the work being done at the top level, and we all appreciate it, but those few words will give great encouragement to all those who are involved at the other end of the scale.
“Denis came to us when he was about eight, played U-10 with us. His father, Kevin, who is still very active in the club, would also have been coaching underage at the time, and we knew immediately we had a special talent on our hands.
“At 14 then he went to Rockwell College, won a Junior Cup with them, beat Crescent in the final — my own son, John, was captain of that team. He left us eventually, progressed on to the Munster scene, then Ireland, but he has never forgotten his roots.
“Denis is still an excellent clubman, a great man to give of his spare time; whenever he’s free at the weekend, he comes back, supports the team in their matches, helps out with the coaching at underage. He’s an inspiration to every youngster in the area.”
Such an inspiration, in fact, that Cashel have enjoyed a second successive hugely successful season, and having retained the Junior league title will again represent Munster in the round-robin series in an attempt to reach senior ranks for the first time in its history.
Bruff have already achieved that status, and again, according to Leahy, thanks in no small part to the inspiration offered by one of their own, John Hayes, making it all the way to the top.
“John has brought huge honour to Bruff, and he has inspired others to follow. He’s a very shy man, keeps his head down, does what he has to do in game after game.
“Everyone around here looks up to him, especially given his achievements in the last few years, but he’s not in the least affected by it. If ever he’s needed, he’s only a phone call away, and he’ll never let you down, he’ll help out any way he can.
“He has done us proud all this year, but he has done us proud every year, and he seems to be getting better and better. On Saturday he was out of this world — when he was praised by George Hook (RTÉ panellist, one of his most severe critics over the years), that was really something to savour, I suppose he has really made it now!
“John has been outstanding for Munster and for Ireland for years, but above all, outside of everything he has achieved, he’s an out and out gentleman, a person of the highest order.’’
John Hayes has already been a Lion and the strong probability is that he will travel again this summer to South Africa in June.
Now, especially given his storming performance when called into action last Saturday after an early injury to Stephen Ferris, there is every possibility he will be joined by Denis Leamy.
Some prospect for Cashel. “We’re already delighted with Denis,” says Peter Silke, “Delighted with his achievements — two Heineken Cups, the Triple Crown, and now a Grand Slam.
“The Lions? We’d love to see him called him called and he has earned it, but we’ll wait and see. For now we’ll celebrate this, look forward to our own big games in the next few weeks, and we know we have his full support.”
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