Ian Keatley: Munster must seize opportunity against Connacht at Thomond Park

Out-half Ian Keatley may have taken a protracted route to Munster but he will have no divided loyalties in tomorrow’s eagerly awaited Guinness PRO12 clash with Connacht at Thomond Park.

Although a born and bred Dub from Clontarf and a Munster player for four years, the 28-year-old spent three seasons in Galway, and learned to love the place and its people.

However, as a professional rugby player and an integral part of the current Munster set-up, Keatley fully appreciates the importance of tomorrow’s encounter which brings together first and second in the Pro12. So any sentimental allegiance he may hold towards Connacht inevitably flies out the window.