The field is the place of dreams for local hero

John "Bull" Hayes is a reluctant hero down Thomond Park way, infinitely more comfortable immersed in the rough and tumble of AIB All-Ireland League Division One rugby than the spotlight which has shrouded his immense frame this season.

It is one thing to cherish anonymity, but achieving that while a central figure in Shannon's vaunted pack is another: his 6ft 4in, 19-and-a-half stone frame belies a gentle giant, vocal by deed rather than word.

A story recounted about one of his first appearances for Shannon, when he partnered Mick Galwey in the second row, captures the essence of the 24-year-old. When the team had retired to the dressingroom after the match, Galwey was busy telling anyone who'd listen about how good this new guy Hayes was, the tackles he was putting in and the work he was getting through.

Conversation stopped as Hayes broached the doorway and a silence descended on the room. Uncomfortable and self-conscious, Hayes, having heard his name mentioned, demanded to know what was being said. Galwey told him nothing much, but that he was telling the lads that he (Hayes) would have to work harder and needed to improve in a few areas. Solemn faces creased with laughter.

Two days before the AIB League Division One final against Garryowen, during a season in which he has been a consistently outstanding performer for Shannon, Hayes still bears that unaffected humility, pondering on whether he will actually make the team. From another it would seem coy and self-indulgent, however the former Gaelic footballer is anything but.

A latecomer to the sport, Hayes didn't make his debut as a rugby player until he was 19 and then it was at the behest of a friend, John O'Dee, who just happened to invite him along for a match. Prior to that, his days had been filled with hurling and football at Cappamore.

"I always had an interest in playing it (rugby) just from watching on television and wanted to give it a go, so when John O'Dee asked me to go to Bruff, I did and enjoyed the experience."

Hayes quickly made an impact, he departed the Limerick junior club only "because they didn't play under-20's rugby." He journeyed to Shannon in 1993 where he played with the under20 side in the second row. The following season, he was young enough to be retained at that grade, but also made the occasional appearance on the senior team.

His flirtation with the elite at Shannon brought him into contact with the two greatest influences on his career, Galwey and Niall O'Donovan. "It was something else to play alongside him (Galwey) when I was 19 years of age. He was probably the biggest influence I have had, along with Niallo. He won't send you wrong."

Somewhat surprisingly, Hayes headed for New Zealand on a whim and a chance meeting with a Kiwi based at Bruff. He spent two years in the land of the Long White Cloud, playing for Maorist Invercargill while working as a welder. It was there that he made the transition from second row to prop.

"In my first season down there they used me as a second row, but then I was switched to prop in my second year." Although now a recognised tighthead, Hayes began at loosehead before moving across the front row to a position he preferred.

Shannon have used him in the front and second rows since his return, but an indication as to where his future may lie was provided last Christmas. Former Irish tighthead and Shannon star, Gerry "Ginger" McLoughlin returned briefly from Wales to conduct a coaching clinic for all the front rows in the club.

"That work with Gerry was of huge benefit. Scrummagging is the one area above others on which I need to work. He sorted out the positioning of my feet and also showed me a few tricks of the trade in terms of how to come to terms with problems that would arise.

"As a front row you will always be judged on your scrummagging, no matter what else you contribute, so I have plenty of work to do." Those who have been pitted against him will testify that Hayes is a quick learner.

Currently plying a trade as a welder with Shannon Craft Hire, he makes no secret of the fact that he would love a full-time contract with Munster, the opportunity to be a professional rugby player. "That is for others to decide, but it is what I want."

Saturday represents a day of great celebration for the Hayes family, not just because of John's presence, but that of his 17year-old brother Tom, who will play for Bruff against Corinthians in the under-18 All Ireland League Final, the curtain raiser for the senior game at Lansdowne Road. Come kick-off on Saturday, Hayes will have no trouble expressing himself in the place he prefers, the heat of battle. His progress this season suggests that he will realise his dream both in the short and long term.