Spell in Australia 'the perfect final six months' for Rob Kearney

'Western Force sort of came around very late, a little out of the woodwork, but it was brilliant. It was an experience I really enjoyed'

Rob Kearney of the Force fends off a tackle by Issak Fines-Leleiwasa of the Brumbies during the round one Super RugbyAU match. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Rob Kearney spent much of his career answering his critics on the pitch and it was no different when the former Leinster, Ireland and Lions star turned out for his local GAA club after a 17-year break.

The 35-year old, who represented Louth at minor level in 2003 before concentrating fully on the oval ball, returned from his one-season stint with Western Force in Australia over the summer and subsequently played with Cooley Kickhams against Newtown Blues.