Kearney brothers included in Ireland’s World Cup squad

Rob and Dave Kearney with the Six Nations title in 2014

Brothers Rob and Dave Kearney have both been named in the Irish squad for this month’s World Cup.

While full back Rob’s 63 caps to date make him the joint third most experienced player in Joe Schmidt’s squad, the inclusion of his younger brother Dave had been in doubt after he missed the Six Nations campaign earlier this year through injury.

However, the winger’s impressive showing in last Saturday’s defeat to Wales seen him pip Andrew Trimble for a spot in the 31-man panel and he will make his World Cup debut should he land a 10^th cap.

David and Rob were two of only three players, along with Jamie Heaslip, to play in ever minute of Ireland’s 2014 Six Nations success.

Rob previously played in the 2011 World Cup but was injured in the first game against the United States. He did recover and was part of the side who were knocked out by Wales on a 22-10 scoreline in the quarter-finals.

The pair hail from Willville in Carlingford, with the peninsula village having another representative in the panel as the Kearney’s Leinster team-mate Devin Toner also makes the squad.

His father Peter hails from Carlingford while another Leinster player, Jordi Murphy, who has strong Annagassan connections is also included. His mum Nicola is the daughter of well known local athlete Noel Carroll while his grand-uncle Patsy still resides in Dunleer, as well as other family member.

Ireland’s first match is against Canada in Cardiff on September 19th.

Strong local interest in Irish rugby team

Devin Toner (left), carrying Paul O’Connell on his back during Irish training yesterday, is the son of Carlingford man Peter Toner

Louth will have a four-fold interest in Saturday’s Six Nations clash between Ireland and England at Twickenham.

While Rob Kearney has been flying the flag for the peninsula for some time, it has been well documented as well that his brother Dave has risen into the international ranks this season under Joe Schmidt.

However, the local connections don’t end there. Devin Toner, who also starts on Saturday, is the son of Peter Toner from Carlingford and spent many a day there during his youth.

Jordi Murphy, who is on the bench for the Triple Crown clash, also has strong Annagassan connections, with his mum Nicola the daughter of well known athlete Noel Carroll. His grand-uncle Patsy still resides in Dunleer, as well as other family members.

One man who just missed out on the matchday squad, Donnacha Ryan, also has a mum from Pearse Park in Dundalk meaning the Wee County has made a big impact on the current Irish rugby squad as they go in search of what would be only the country’s third ever Grand Slam win this year.

Meanwhile, a poll of Irish rugby fans commissioned by Ulster Bank has voted Rob Kearney the best looking player on the Irish team. The Willville man received 34% of the vote, pipping Monaghan’s Tommy Bowe who had 17%.