Bruff members give bullish reception to old hero Hayes

John Hayes was back in the familiar surroundings of Ballsbridge last Saturday where he received a standing ovation to rival the acclaim which accompanied his farewell for Munster at Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day.

The numbers in Bewley’s Hotel numbered little more than a hundred, as opposed to the thousands who shepherded him off the pitch in Limerick two months ago, but they too departed much the better for The Bull’s company.

Hayes was back in Dublin to attend a special presentation held in his honour by the members of Bruff RFC. The man himself took questions from the floor for a full 45 minutes before the room dispersed to take in the Italy game on Lansdowne Road.

“It was the best function I was ever at,” said Mike O’Connor, the club committee member who organised the event.

“John was very funny, very relaxed and he answered every question forthrightly and the ovation after was unbelievably warm.”

The occasion was marked further by a booklet containing articles and messages from his wife Fiona, some of the country’s leading rugby writers and contributions from a number of the men who appeared with him in provincial red.

“Most of the successful teams we have been involved in revolved around people doing their basics well,” said Paul O’Connell.

“John did the basics better and more selflessly than any player I know. He was one of those people that made people around him look good. As a second row, it was a pleasure to benefit from his skill set. Lineouts, mauls and kick-offs will never be as easy again. So much of Ireland’s and Munster’s success was built on John’s ability. He will be sorely missed.”