News

Dowling hunting Ireland honours

May 28 2008

Munster wing and Heineken Cup double-winner Ian Dowling has spoken of his hunger to cap a memorable season by winning his first full Irish cap.

The hard-working player is currently poised to fly to London on Wednesday before making the long trip Down Under for Ireland's June Tests against New Zealand and Australia.

And Dowling admitted that he has had to temporarily put aside his glee of the Cardiff success over Toulouse as he now focuses solely on international duty.

"My next goal is to try and win an Irish cap," he said, speaking to the Kilkenny People.

"It is difficult to know where I stand in the pecking order with Ireland, but I have no intention of travelling to make up the numbers."

However, despite his keenness to don the green jersey, Dowling is finding it slightly difficult to mask the excitement of lifting the coveted European trophy once again.

"It only hit me this morning when I woke up what has actually happened," he said.

"It is brilliant to be champions of Europe again. The feeling is just super.

"To be honest, I haven't time to take it all in because there is so much going on in my life at the moment, what with travelling away with Ireland and so on.

"Maybe someday I will look back and realise more fully what has actually happened.

"Right now things are so hectic you just keep looking forward. There is no time to reflect on anything."

But despite that stance, the 25-year-old concluded he was delighted with the dominant province's game plan, which proved to be so effective at the Millennium Stadium last week.

"Our team tactics were spot on," he said.

"The forwards were wonderful. They were disciplined, patient and they all knew and carried out their roles to perfection.

"There is more in this Munster team."