Keeshan gives Dolphin ‘recession derby’ edge

OSTENSIBLY a clash between Cork and Dublin clubs, this Ulster Bank League showdown instead had all the ingredients of a local derby — mates locking horns, not much in it on the scoreboard and technique sacrificed for passion.

“You knew someone in every ruck; there were more fellas who knew each other than didn’t,” was how Dolphin out-half Barry Keeshan — who kicked all his side’s points on his 100th All-Ireland League and Cup appearance — described the familiarity of the on-field exchanges afterwards, with a wry smile.

Irish professional rugby may still be relatively recession-proof, but the amateur game is anything but.