‘We are not done yet,’ Irish rugby star Brian Gleeson eyes up World Cup glory

Brian Gleeson has produced extraordinary feats on the rugby fields and when he arrived back home to Rahealty National School recently he did so to much applause and celebration. It was a joyous occasion filled with colour, singing and fun as Brian brought back the Six Nations cup he won with Ireland in the recent U20 championship where he played a key role for his country.

Students, staff, parishioners and rugby followers across the county converged on the school just outside Thurles for a hugely enjoyable and uplifting morning. Brian’s sister Ciara is in Fifth Class in the school and she was there by his side all morning. On his return to the school Brian said it was a very special day: “It is amazing to come back. I have such fond memories here and seeing Edel and Michael and all the other teachers that were here. It means so much to me. My sister is still here as well and they are so good to her. It’s great. I really appreciate it,” the up and coming star said.

The Ireland number 8 has been a revelation across the championship putting in star performances across the campaign.
He said he didn’t realise how big a deal it was at first: “When I started off with the Under 20s I didn’t realise how big it was until you see the joy it brings to people. We had to work hard for it as well, five wins in five games is not easy. France and England at home were probably our toughest games,” the Irish international admitted.

Looking back on his formative years Brian said the grounding he got in the game at Rahealty stood to him growing up:
“Rugby was part of school when I came here. It was mixed, girls and the boys played. I don’t think you get that anywhere else. It is a real tradition here,” he said. After finishing in Rahealty Brian continued his progress at secondary school when he attended Rockwell College. He also played GAA with Loughmore Castleiney.

Brian feels that playing multiple sports is something that complimented his rugby: “With hurling and football there are a lot of skills that can be used in rugby as well. If I hadn’t played those sports I wouldn’t be the player I am now.”

This week Brian goes back to camp to prepare for the Under 20 Rugby World Cup. The genuine, down to earth Tipp native will focus on doing his best to ensure Ireland perform well in the competition. He is busy preparing already for the trip to South Africa this summer: “Hopefully we can do well. It is a three week to a month long trip over there. It is going to be tough. It is five games in three weeks so it is going to be tough on the body. Hopefully we can do our best and stay injury free. We said at the start of the year that was the end goal after the Grand Slam. We are not done yet.”