They were simpler times.
Paul Dean was the Ireland out-half for the opening two games of the Five Nations in 1986 but injury against Wales meant coach Mick Doyle needed a replacement.
Two players, the uncapped Ralph Keyes, 24, and Tony Ward, holder of 17 caps, then 32, were in the mix.
And it was a stand-out performance for Cork Con prior to the trip to Twickenham, a 25-20 loss, that earned Keyes his first cap. Everyone played with their clubs and you graduated to the inter-pro side, Keyes tells RTÉ Sport. Thereafter you played in the domestic inter-pro competition and the Irish trial, which could have been the biggest game in many years because you could have one or two good inter-pro matches or a poor one but if you had a good Irish trial you could get in.
Returning internationals can help Connacht put home struggles behind them
Andy Friend’s team have lost their last four home games in all competitions. By Ciarán Kennedy Saturday 20 Feb 2021, 7:30 AM Feb 20th 2021, 7:30 AM 4,834 Views 2 Comments
Bundee Aki makes his first start since December.
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
EVEN CONNACHT ARE finding the Sportsground a tough place to go recently. Andy Friend’s side have lost their last three on home soil in the Pro14 – four in all competitions – and defeat to Cardiff Blues tonight [7.35, TG4] would represent the first time they have lost four home Pro14 games in succession since 2013.
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); His ability to see space and put the ball there is probably the best I ve seen
Jack Carty will be hoping to catch Andy Farrell’s eye when Connacht host Cardiff Blues this weekend. By Ciarán Kennedy Wednesday 17 Feb 2021, 12:10 PM Feb 17th 2021, 6:31 AM 41,568 Views 49 Comments
Connacht out-half Jack Carty.
Updated Feb 17th 2021, 12:10 PM
THE DEBATE ABOUT Ireland’s out-half conundrum continues to rumble along. Choose your fighter. Yesterday it was Brian O’Driscoll’s turn, the former Ireland captain telling Off the Ball that he believes the time has come to give Jack Carty another shot.
The Connacht man certainly has admirers in high places, just perhaps not in the rights ones.