SPEAKING OF the aforementioned interprovincial clash between Leinster and Munster that took place at Donnybrook almost 10 years ago there is no doubt the respective teams contained some very bright, articulate people as befits a caste that would go on to make an impact in sports journalism, in the print media, radio and television.

Those that were once poachers and subsequently embraced gamekeeping as a part-time profession include Denis Hickie, Peter McKenna, Emmett Byrne, Shane Byrne, Gary Halpin, Bob Casey, Eric Miller, Liam Toland, Victor Costello, John Kelly, Killian Keane, Jeremy Staunton, Frankie Sheahan and Anthony Foley.