Walls rising up ranks of the little generals

Clontarf's scrumhalf has shown this season he has the game to bring toa higher level. John O'Sullivan talks to Mike Walls about today'schallenge

Mike Walls wants to be a professional rugby player. His ambition should be realised in the immediate future with the offer of a full-time contract from Connacht coach Steph Nel a potential reward for an outstanding season at club level.

The 22-year-old Mullingar- born scrumhalf has yet to receive confirmation of a contract offer and says modestly that his preoccupation is helping Clontarf to an AIB League semi-final victory over Shannon at Thomond Park today. Few outside the environs of Castle Avenue would countenance anything other than a victory for the four-time champions.

Clontarf, though, have defied outside perceptions from the beginning of the league, surprising even themselves by reaching the play-offs. But there is a resolution within the club that they won't be anyone's patsies today; exceeding expectation is one thing, but kowtowing to it quite another.

"I think it is fair to say that the progress we have made this season under a new coach (Phil Werahiko) and with a few new players has surprised may of the locals," says Walls. "Clontarf have always been able to pull off a big performance in a one-off situation, beating the likes of Cork Constitution or Dungannon.

"But the consistency that the team has shown this season is the reason why we are running out in a semi-final today. We've had hiccups along the way, but we have recovered quickly and responded positively in the important matches.

"People felt that there was the nucleus of a good side and that has been gelled into a competitive team. It has been a very enjoyable season so far."

Walls' introduction to rugby was prompted by his father, Michael, and he was following in the footsteps of brothers David and Fergus. The trail led to Mullingar Rugby Club, where an eight-year-old Walls embraced the game with gusto. Attending the local Mullingar CBS and playing both Gaelic football and hurling didn't dilute his interest in rugby.

His perseverance was rewarded in his final year at school when he was selected for the Ireland Youths team. Third level education brought him to St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill in London, where he studied for a Sports Science degree.

During that time, he played for the London Irish under-21 team before returning to Ireland. Fellow Mullingar native Padraig Lynn was playing with Clontarf and suggested that Walls get in touch with club official Dominic O'Kelly. Walls walked into Castle Avenue and hasn't looked back.

Currently working in Westwood Fitness centre in Clontarf, Walls would some day like to complete a H Dip that would allow him to teach. However, he would suppress that desire if a professional contract was in the offing.

"I would love to be a professional rugby player, but that is for others to decide."

Walls has been outstanding this season, arguably the second-best scrumhalf playing club rugby, behind UCD's Brian O'Riordan. Walls, for one so young, has a strong and vocal presence on the pitch.

He organises and drives his pack, offers a crisp pass and has a better break than he gives himself credit for. Peter Stringer is the benchmark for all aspiring young scrumhalves in Ireland and Walls was looking forward to "seeing how he operates at close hand".

He will have to wait as Derek Hegarty will probably start in the number nine jersey for Shannon. The Clontarf player is under no illusions about just how difficult his team's task is this afternoon in Thomond Park.

"It was a tough, tight game when we met them in appalling conditions in Clontarf. They deserved their win that day because they took their chances.

"We have to starve them of possession and look to control the ball. We will have to take all our chances and probably produce our best performance of the season. It will be tough. They'll have a big support and have so many excellent players in the team."

Walls will not be daunted. He has responded positively to the challenges this season, and if Clontarf are to achieve the unlikely and prevail, then expect Walls to be a central figure.

Only then will he allow himself to be distracted by whispers of a provincial contract and the realisation of one long-held ambition.

He deserves his opportunity.