Getting To Know Shane Buckley

21-year-old flanker Shane Buckley is now in his third year with the Munster Academy and with the Charleville native lining out in a huge game on Friday night, it’s as good a time as any to find out a little more about the Garryowen man.

Buckley will play in the ODM Financial Munster Senior Cup final between Garryowen and Cork Con in Thomond Park on Friday (ko 7:30pm), and his side are looking to use the Cup final to kick-start their season.

“Personally, I’m happy with my performances. It’s not going too bad but we’re having a tough enough time at Garryowen, we haven’t won in the league yet but we’re hoping to use the Munster Senior Cup as a bit of a springboard for ourselves if we can get the win this Friday.

“I can’t wait now, we had a close one against Con in the league so hopefully we can come away with the win.”

Buckley has represented Ireland at Schools and U20 level and played in the Junior World Championship and Six Nations in 2011. He kept his place in the Ireland U20 side the following year and featured in the 2012 Junior World Championship in South Africa.

The 21-year-old has made eight appearances for Munster A and has featured in every British and Irish Cup game so far this season.

Name: Shane Buckley

Favourite food: Steak.

Currently reading: 'Let me off at the top' – Ron Burgundy’s autobiography.

Favourite TV programme: Fresh prince of Bel Air.

Favourite film: Gladiator or Step brothers.

Favourite actor/actress: Mark Wahlberg/Salma Hayek.

Most enjoyable holiday location: Anywhere sunny.

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: A comfortable bed.

Favourite sport other than rugby: GAA.

The sport you least like: Long distance running (boring to do and boring to watch).

Person you would most like to meet: Will Smith.

Sportsperson you admire most: Bo Jackson.

Hobbies: Walking my dog Benji.

Where did you first play rugby: Charleville RFC Under12s.

Biggest influence on your career: My family.

Best career advice you were given: "Control the controllables."

What do you like most/least about being a rugby player: I least like pre-season and I most like the feeling when pre-season is over and you get to play matches.

Other sports that you have played: Hurling and Gaelic Football.

Best rugby moment: Beating Leinster U18s up in Dublin was a nice one.

Rugby player you admire most: Sergio Parisse.

Rugby team you admire most: The All Blacks.

Sporting event you would most like to attend: Super Bowl.

Three people you would invite to dinner and why: Morgan Freeman just to hear him speak, Scarlett Johansson just to look at and Conor McGregor would be a good laugh as well I'd say.