Joe McCarthy hails Jerry Cahir as Leinster injury crisis deepens

Michael Bolton

Ireland and Leinster second-row Joe McCarthy praised Jerry Cahir for his performance against La Rochelle as their injuries continue.

Cahir replaced Paddy McCarthy after 42 minutes at Aviva Stadium, after McCarthy sustained what the province has since described as a "serious foot injury".

In a tight affair, Cahir more than held his own against Ronan O'Gara's side, as Leinster won 25-24 thanks to a penalty from Harry Byrne.

With Andrew Porter also out injured, and Jack Boyle the only other loosehead prop, Cahir could be set for more European action away to Bayonne.

Speaking after the win on Saturday, McCarthy was happy to see Cahir produce the performances he knows he is capable of.

"Jerry has been awesome. I played with him in Trinity, and he's such a hard-working guy.

"He's probably had to wait such a long time to get his opportunity. (He) wasn't really in an academy system or anything like that.

"It's so cool to see him step up, scrummaging against (Uini) Atonio and (Will) Skelton, more than holding his own.

"We all know how good he is, and I think lads love having him in the squad.

"He works so hard, really humble guy, and I think he's added a lot to the group since he's come in, and the lads have really enjoyed having him there. I'm delighted for him; it's a great day for him."

Having played his way into contention with Lansdowne in the Energia All-Ireland League, Cahir has had to take the road less travelled.

However, it has paid off, as he has signed a short-term contract with Leinster.

Leinster attack coach Tyler Bleyendaal also praised Cahir for taking his chance in difficult circumstances.

"I thought the guys on the weekend did a great job, and Jerry (Cahir) came on and he put his best foot forward, and we're going to have to just dig deep into the depth, and we've got some guys coming back as well.

"You don't know when your opportunity is going to come. Those guys who have come in, it is the attitude that they attack every day with. It is a big jump if you are not necessarily in the environment year after year.

"Jerry is packing down scrums against the world's best, now he is learning and putting it all out there. It is a great reward to see that you can come through that pathway and see that opportunities do arise."