Boost for Ireland as Flannery returns to action

JERRY FLANNERY has given Ireland coach Declan Kidney a timely boost ahead of the RBS Six Nations by confirming his availability for the holders’ opening assignment against Italy at Croke Park on February 6.

The Munster hooker successfully came through 40 minutes of club rugby for Shannon in their All-Ireland League win over UL Bohemian at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Flannery reckons he’ll be fighting fit for Irish duty, provided his achilles injury does not react adversely to his first portion of game-time since Ireland’s Autumn internationals victory over South Africa last November.