Blast From The Past
David Corkery burst into the Irish team on a tour to Australia in 1994 receiving a strong endorsement from Micheal Lynagh but had to retire prematurely due to injury problems.
Q. What are your memories of your early rugby career?
A. I started in Old Christians under eights not taking to the game initially. As I progressed I started to enjoy the game scoring up to five or six trys in many games . I joined Cbc under fourteen on rugby scholarship in second year and at the time I played hurling and football for Brian Dillons in Mayfield. During my time in Cbc, Pres dominated the Senior cup with future Irish coach Declan Kidney driving this success.
Q. When did you get your first senior break?
A. I debuted for Cork Con in a relegation battle against Greystones scoring two tries having broken in due to injuries in the Senior squad. I grew up quickly in Con having to earn the respect of the dressing room with good performances in matches and training. I subsequently joined Bristol as the game went fully professional in 1995 and had two seasons with a team which included a young Martin Corry .I returned to Munster in 1997 as provincial rugby became the prototype for the Irish pro game.
Q. What were the highlights of your playing career?
A. The 1995 world cup was my highlight as I started all four games and was voted Irish player of the tournament. I remember facing New Zealand with Sean Fitzpatrick and Jonah Lomu and I actually scored against the All Blacks. Despite this international success pulling on the Munster jersey gave me my greatest satisfaction.
Q. Who was your most difficult opponent?
A. I loved international games against England and enjoyed England loose head props Jason Leonard sociability off the field and his toughness in matches. admired the raw talent of Eddie Ha Ivey playing for Munster and enjoyed playing with Jerry Murray, Frank Sheehan, and Brian o Meara around the time Con won their second Ail title in 1999.
Q. Have you been involved in the game since you stopped playing?
A. I retired from Professional rugby in 2000 with a multiple of injuries including a ruptured cruciate and disc problems in my back .I joined Munster as development officer for six seasons and then coached a variety of Clubs including Bandon Clonakilty Midleton and Sundays Well who I made six Ail appearances for aged
41.Rugby has taught me how to be a winner and other life skills.