Born-again Crotty back from the wilderness

No emotional baggage, just a healthy desire to prove that international rugby is well within his compass, Garryowen full back Dominic Crotty is in the throes of resurrecting a rugby career.

The harrowing experiences associated with the four caps he won at senior level and several below par performances for the shadow international side have spawned a positive legacy. No frustration, no bitterness, just the realisation that hard work and a little better fortune would, once again, allow him to demand national recognition.

Crotty was initially a victim of circumstance, thrust onto the international stage in the unfamiliar role of a winger, when most of his fledgling rugby career had been spent at full back. Different demands, a loss of confidence and some brittle defence conspired to obliterate a latent talent in the eyes of the public.

Those who had not seen Crotty at underage level, particularly on Ireland's under-21 Triple Crown-winning team, would not have been aware of the pace, balance and flair that made him a precocious talent. Only an empty shell remained by the time that Crotty traipsed off the pitch against Wales last year.

"People saw me as a winger and judged accordingly. That day I was very poor defensively. I wasn't the first Irish winger to be turned inside out by Ieuan Evans, but I am not offering that as an excuse. I let myself down and did so again in subsequent A matches.

"When you reach basement level, there is only one way to go. It was like starting again and in that respect, I am really enjoying my rugby. I made a commitment when I moved from Cork to Limerick at the start of the season and have benefited from training with Killian Keane, David Wallace, Paul Cunningham and Barry Everitt. It is easier to retain the focus, we push each other." Those who have closely monitored Crotty's rehabilitation this season for both Munster and Garryowen are adamant that he can once again propel himself towards national recognition, his primary goal.

"I'm desperate to make the Irish squad for South Africa. Just to be back in consideration was enough of a fillip. I got as much of a buzz when I received a late call-up to the squad for the A international against England as I did in winning my first A cap. The latter was charted out in the sense that it was expected, but to be brought back from the wilderness, so to speak, was encouraging."

Crotty pays tribute to Philip Danaher's quiet assurance and help that provided him with the scope to redeem his reputation. "Philip's so relaxed and is there whenever he's needed or feels that there is some way that something can be improved." Crotty's physique has filled out considerably since his under-21 days by dint of hard work in the weights room, but this in turn inspired whispers that the additional muscle had caused him to lose basic speed. "It's funny, I've spent a great deal of time recently working with Giles Warrington on my 40 metre speed and I think that I'm quick enough over that distance.

"But certainly one area that I will be working on is speed from 40 to 80 metres. I'm not slow but there is room for improvement without ever getting to the Denis Hickie speed." His aspirations to make the South African odyssey may rest upon tomorrow's performance at Lansdowne Road. "I am aware that I need to perform well, but to be honest, the priority tomorrow is to try and ensure a Garryowen victory." "Shannon represent the toughest prospect in club rugby in this country. If we are to beat them then it will have to be a combination of sheer desire and them (Shannon) not playing at their best." For the 23-year-old Crotty, a try scorer in the semi-final, tomorrow offers the vehicle to stake his claim, an opportunity to vie with Ciaran Clarke and Conor O'Shea for the South African ticket. Paradise lost, or regained? Crotty's attitude deserves the happier ending.