Musgrave Park was at its miserable worst for the visit of Ulster eight days ago. For spectators, the pleasure of seeing the European champions was offset by the deplorable standard of ‘facilities’, such as the gents toilet at the back of the stand where paying punters had to leap over a six-foot moat (rainwater, we hope) to gain access. At least somebody tried to ensure the large contingent of travelling Ulster fans had a decent night of it. We’re led to believe Declan Kidney went among them, dispersing beer vouchers for the bar in the Dolphin clubhouse.

Broth of a boy hits 40

Happy birthday to Mick Galwey, who leaves his 30s behind today — a depressing thought for those of us who can recall a time when he was perennially characterised as ‘a broth of a boy’. To celebrate his coming of middle-age, Galwey spent a few days in Portugal, golfing with other ageing Munster second rows such as Brendan Foley and Moss Keane, while yesterday he allowed himself a few pints at the wedding of another Kerry legend, Darragh Ó Sé. He wasn’t planning on any surprise party today. Then again, how could he?

Potential prop stars aplenty

Many thanks to those who joined the search for tight forwards to complete a fantasy rugby team of Gaelic footballers. Longford’s Niall Sheridan was a popular choice at prop, while Paul Daly in Pennsylvania suggested Cork hurler Diarmuid O’Sullivan, a John Hayes lookalike. Brian in Laois reckons Pauric Clancy was ‘born to be a second row with hands like that’, while John Doyle, another correspondent, suggests Geoffrey McGonigle at prop. He also proposes Joe Brolly for hooker — but only ‘so that someone can give him a dig’.

Shannon sign World Cup ace

With the AIB League a week away, there’s quite a bit of talk of player recruitment from overseas. Nobody can match Shannon, who have a World Cup-winning prop from New Zealand. Okay, so we mean the Shannon women, who began their campaign last week. They did so with Black Ferns prop Casey Robertson, right, who flew to Limerick after playing in the World Cup final against England in Edmonton and is here for the first half of the AIL season. A member of the Sydenham club in Christchurch, she is a No 8 eight and thus a perfect replacement for Ireland’s Joy Neville, who is off on her travels.

Open house at Coolmine

Normally, provincial ‘A’ games seem to be played in accordance with the witness protection scheme; in remote locations at odd times of the week, as if to keep in the dark those clubs competing for the same players. This afternoon’s affair is getting a bit more air-play for two reasons: one, it celebrates the opening of Coolmine RFC’s spanking new clubhouse in Ashbrook, Dublin 15; two, this is the final game for the touring New South Wales Waratahs ‘A’ squad, coached by former Wallaby Steve Tuynman, managed by former Wallaby Tony D’Arcy and including half a dozen players with Super 14 experience. IRFU president Peter Boyle cuts the ribbon at 3pm and kick-off is an hour later.

Barnhall pass warm-up test

Clubs continue to make elaborate preparations for the AIB League, with several teams even going overseas. Trinity, for example, had a training week at Penn State University, culminating in their participation in the prestigious Remembrance Tournament in Travers Island, New York. But nobody could match Barnhall, who played against Test opposition in Vienna, beating Austria 31-7. No cryotherapy treatment required, we’re told.