At the time when John Cooney made his Ireland debut in 2017, many felt that it was long overdue.
The scrum-half has been performing very well for Connacht in the years prior to that, including winning the Pro12 in 2015/16. He would go on to move to Ulster in 2017, being named in the Pro14 Team of the Season in four consecutive seasons.
Despite this, he was never quite able to nail down consistent playing time at international level. After making his debut against Japan in the summer of 2017, he would win just 11 Ireland caps in total, the last of which came in 2020.
Prior to the pandemic, he looked to be part of newly appointed coach Andy Farrell's plans. However, he would not feature for the side again after the spring of 2020.
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John Cooney admits he was 'bitter' over Ireland exclusion
Some have previously questioned why Andy Farrell was so quick to throw John Cooney on the scrap heap, with the player continuing to perform well at Ulster.
Speaking to the BBC NI, the 33-year admitted that he was 'bitter' over the way he was not brought back into the Ireland squad after that last appearance.
I would be honest and say I was quite bitter for a while.
I always used to compare myself to the other nines and go in to games off stats and performances and think I should be up there.
But it is what it is. I've really enjoyed it here and I've always fallen back on representing Ulster, playing the best rugby that I can do.
I feel like when I did that and when I went away and just completely concentrated on here, I did play my best rugby and became probably more of a team-mate and team player.
I supported Ireland in the World Cup. Maybe in the past I would've been a bit bitter but I was really happy with how they played. Like everybody in the country I was really behind them and wanted them to win.
After that Scotland game I felt it was Ireland's to win, so I've really put it aside and [I'm] back supporting Ireland.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend revealed last year that John Cooney was keen to represent Scotland, with the player eligible to do so through his father and a change in World Rugby's eligibility rules.
That call-up has yet to come, and considering his age, there is a real chance that his international rugby days are now behind him. Considering his talent, it is a pity that he did not get more of an opportunity to shine on that stage.
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