There have been many great Ballyhooly sporting memories and celebrations for individuals and teams in athletics (Tom Leahy and John Hartnett), hurling, football and tug-of-war, to name but a few, over the years, now right up there is the wonderful rugby achievements of native son, Mike Ross, whose exploits in the green of Ireland and blue of Leinster are the stuff of legends.

On Friday, March 21st, following on from the heroics of Paris the previous Saturday where Mike, BOD and the team defeated France to claim the RBS 6 Nations championship, the Convamore native accompanied by his dad Frank visited the local national school with the prized and hard won trophy, receiving a hero's welcome from principal, Deirdre O'Brien, her colleagues and the proud and delighted girls and boys.

The green, white and orange Irish flags flew in celebration and teachers and pupils donned the jerseys of our native country in tribute to another historic first for Ballyhooly. Well done to all on a fitting welcome and recognition for the 39 times capped Mike. Mike happily posed for pictures including one with local elections candidate Phil Leahy and The Avondhu photographer Ned Duggan, which one local wit dubbed the new Ballyhooly front row!

Mike, later that night, went on to impress the nation on RTE's Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy - a prop for all occasions clearly! In the weeks ahead, starting this weekend the majority of local fans will be hoping the red of Munster will prevail, but locals will also join in wishing Mike well on his impressive rugby journey and commend him on his dedication and prowess in his chosen sport ... and if not Munster, let Leinster lift the silverware and Ballyhooly will be celebrating all over again!

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