Brian follows road less travelled
COMING FROM Wexford town and attending St. Peter’s College, Brian Deeny always felt like he was up against it in terms of making a breakthrough in rugby.
The oval ball was nowhere to be seen in a school where Gaelic games dominated the agenda, so Deeny got his rugby fix with Wexford Wanderers when he was younger.
Peter’s had a strong football team and it wasn’t long before the Wexford Minors came calling after the Volunteers clubman impressed.
Just as it looked like rugby would be parked, a surprise offer to play sevens with Ireland came about.
‘I suppose when you’re coming out of the club system, you probably wouldn’t be as recognised or acknowledged as some of the schools lads,’ Deeny said.
‘I got dropped, I never played Under-18 schools or Under-18 clubs and schools. Things like that drive you on because you’re more jealous of the lads who got the opportunity. It pushes you a bit more.
‘I was playing county Minor at the time with Wexford. I was more focused on that. I went away and focused just on improving myself; developing more physically than technically.
‘Simon Broughton and Mark Butler asked me to go and play the (Ireland) Under-18 sevens. I appreciate that a lot, for them giving me a chance to come back.
‘I came back and thankfully played well enough, and got selected for the Irish Under-18s that went over to Lithuania. I enjoyed myself over there, maybe found my love for rugby again and focused more on rugby.’
Deeny hasn’t looked back since. The Leinster Academy lock, who is playing for Clontarf in the AIL, got a taste for the big time with the Ireland Under-20s last season and is already playing a much more prominent part this year, starting against Scotland at Irish Independent Park when he figured in the second row in a 38-26 victory.
New Ross native Tadhg Furlong has become the poster boy for Wexford rugby in recent years, and Deeny knows if he can follow his lead, he will be doing well.
‘Peter’s and Good Counsel have a great rivalry down through the years - I always remember when Tadhg was coming through, there was just an awe,’ he added.
‘How he could go from a G.A.A. school like that and be so good at rugby. I’d look at him and I’d respect him hugely for the way he came up through the system.
‘I take pride in it just because there’s so many good players that are in the schools and club system. For me to be here means that I’ve worked hard, but just as hard as everyone else. I am proud, but I’m more proud of how hard I’ve worked than just being here.’