Leinster Rugby vs Cardiff Rugby

It was
such a big
game for
me because
my friends
and family
were there
in Aviva
Stadium
and it was
such a big
crowd.
But, for him, it was certainly the biggest
game.
“I was happy that I did enough to earn
a spot on the bench against Munster
because it showed I did ok in South
Africa.
“It was such a big game for me because
my friends and family were there in Aviva
Stadium and it was such a big crowd.
“I felt like I played well when I came off
the bench and I was brought on quite
early.
“It was a surreal moment when they
called out for Cian Healy, Peter Dooley
and John McKee to get ready on 48
minutes. OK, let’s go. We’re on early
here.
“That was probably more enjoyable than
South Africa because there were a lot of
nerves for the first two games.
“I felt more comfortable going into the
Munster game. I felt I played well too.”
As McKee came into this season, his third
in the Leinster Academy, he has been a
regular name in the matchday squads.
The Cardiff game this evening will be his
ninth game of the season.
It’s a run he is certainly enjoying.
“It’s been class this year. I feel like I have
more confidence and I feel like I can
impact games more.
“The whole matchday is a bit more
enjoyable when you have a bit more
confidence. There’s still nerves, but I
really enjoy arriving at the stadium and
seeing the crowd and my family.
“I didn’t come off the bench in two
games which was hard, but you have to
understand when Dan Sheehan is playing
so well.”
It’s clear that the McKee family are there
for as many big moments of John’s career
as they can possibly get to.
They are certainly making the most of his
run in the team this year.
“My family come to every home game.
My mum Dawn, my dad Mark, my aunt
Audrey, my grandad Derek and one of
my brothers Andrew. My other brother
Daniel is living in England but he’ll be
over next month for a game.
“My girlfriend and her family like coming
down too, so I’m usually running around
looking for tickets quite often.
“My grandad loves matchdays. It’s a
great day out for him. I rang him during
the week to tell him I’ll be involved again
this week against Cardiff.
“I think he was happier that he gets
another day trip than me getting another
cap. It’s great having them in the stadium
with me.”
The young Belfast man, who joined the
Leinster Sub-Academy after leaving
Campbell College, has taken every step
in his stride.
Like many young players, he has had to
bide his time. But, he also seems to be
taking his opportunity with both hands.
Here’s to many more days out for the
McKee family.
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