WHEN the Ireland schools team set out for Australia last summer, they did so as Triple Crown champions. That achievement was in itself indicative of the quality of the team. Yet, despite having seen off all opposition in these islands, no member of the party was under any illusions about the magnitude of the task they faced.

Ireland had never beaten Australia at schools level, home or away, and no national schools side from any country had gone through a tour there unbeaten. But for several of the boys in the Ireland squad, this was their second visit to Australia as they had been members of the Leinster squad that had toured there the previous summer and came home with a 100 per cent record.

They understood the magnitude of the task they faced and no one had a greater awareness of it than the youngster who led Ireland on that tour, the Blackrock College flanker Barry Gibney. He had also captained that Leinster squad.

Gibney's leadership qualities emerged early. He was entrusted with the captaincy of the Blackrock junior cup team and led the side to the Leinster title in 1993. Two years later he was on the college team that won the senior cup and in March 1995, he was captain of the team that retained it. Earlier that season he led Leinster to success in the Interprovincial Championship and he was also at the helm when Ireland won the Triple Crown last April.

Gibney, a modest young man, puts his success down to the fact that he was "fortunate to play in so many good teams and under so many good coaches, in Blackrock and with Leinster and Ireland". Yet his play no less than his leadership were fundamental elements in his achievements. His coaches at Blackrock, Alan McGinty at junior level and Vincent Costello at senior level, readily recognised Gibney's leadership qualities. John McClean, who coached Leinster in Australia in 1995 and was assistant coach to Keith Patton with the Ireland side last summer, is in no doubt about Gibney's contribution.

"He was excellent in every possible respect, we could not have had a better captain on the field or off the field. His contribution as a player was immense and I would like to think that a player such as Barry represents the future of Irish rugby, just as I would like to think that many of that side will make their mark at the highest level."

Those sentiments are endorsed by the manager of the side, Gerry Kelly. "Immense is the word that comes to my mind about Barry's leadership and contribution as a player. That was especially evident in the days before the test and in the match itself. I would share John McClean's views about Barry Gibney and the whole team. Gibney was one of nine Blackrock players in the squad, but everyone was the same to him, and everyone respected him: his attitude, his ability and his knowledge and tactical appreciation." High praise indeed, but well earned.

"Being a member of that Ireland side was a great privilege, something I will always remember and cherish," says Gibney. "They were a great squad of players which gave me every possible support and that goes for those who were not in the test team as well as those who were. It was a tremendous experience and one I hope that other Irish schools players will experience in the years ahead.

"Winning the international was obviously the highlight, but we won every match and every player made a significant contribution. I think the spirit in the whole squad was a key factor and our management team could not have been better."

Gibney is a now a commerce student in UCD, and unfortunately has suffered the first setback of what has been a superb career. He has not been able to play since the tour because of a troublesome groin injury. He is dealing with the setback in the same mature manner that has characterised his play on the field.

He is being treated by Dr Pat O'Neill, the former Dublin Gaelic football manager. "Rest is part of the cure, but I hope to be, back playing in February. I am currently undertaking a six week programme before I can play again. I suppose there is an element, of frustration, but I must be patient," says Gibney.

He still entertains hopes that he may be able to help Blackrock at some stage in the McCorry Cup. Most of his schoolmates from last season are on that side. He is also a member of the Leinster development squad.

He sees the schools as crucial to the future of Irish rugby and believes that the "schools system is excellent. Just look at their results - not just last season. The under 20 area at club and representative levels and the under 21 international and the development sides are all crucial to the future of the game in this country," he believes.