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 10th 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.
Talk of the Town 