Ray Hennessy learnt all about the harsh realities of professional rugby when he was eased into thye shadows at London Irish.

But he is happily rediscovering the joys of the amateur game as he inspires an impressive revival in the fortunes of East Grinstead.

Gs have been one of the form sides in London Three South East of late, culminating in their 54-14 destruction of Lewes last weekend. They came within a score of stunning Tunbridge Wells and took holders Haywards Heath to extra-time in a Sussex Trophy epic.

No wonder Limerick-born Hennessy, whose distinguished career saw him selected for Ireland B and the Barbarians, reach a European Cup semi-final and make 53 Premiership appearances, is relishing life at more grass roots level.

Gs' player/coach prepared to take another training session at Saint Hill on Thursday and said: "The players are really enjoying their rugby again, which is the most important thing.

"I am a firm believer in short, sharp training sessions that are hard work but fun as well. We have got some individuals here who are maturing into very good players.

"Players like Alex Ingham and Rhodri Lewis have really come on and we've had a resurgence from the likes of Mitch Knight, who says he's 21 again.

"We've strengthened the squad with a number of key players and we have now got a recognised goalkicker in Steve O'Reilly, which is really important."

Gs were hoping for a derby win at Crawley today which would probably see them leapfrog Brighton in the table. With games against Cranbrook and Charlton Park still to come there is every chance of a top four finish.

That would be some achievement after losing the likes of Justin Looney, player/coach Toby Booth and James Vine in the summer and winning just one of their first games.

By sheer coincidence, Hennessy's colleagues at London Irish included Justin Bishop, a product of East Grinstead, whose international shirt is proudly displayed on the clubhouse wall at Saint Hill.

Instead it was Booth, a former Blackheath skipper, who played an instrumental part in introducing Gs' latest Irish connection.

Hennessy, 32, said: "I had played for London Irish from 1991-98 but I picked up a groin injury which put me out of action for six months.

"London Irish were having a clearout of the squad at the end of the 1997/98 season and not many Premiership clubs were going to take on a player who was going to be out injured for months.

"Wasps took me for a while but it was obvious I was coming to the end of my playing career. I had been fully pro for two years but I went back to the teaching profession."

Booth, his new work colleague at St Mary's College in Twickenham, had just taken over at Grinstead and suggested Hennessy take the backs for training during pre-season.

The double act remained intact throughout the season, with Hennessy, best known as a winger in the pro game, enjoying a few run outs at No.10.

Booth's summer departure left him in sole charge and, after missing two months through illness, is back on song and approaching the 20-try mark.

He admitted; "I have thoroughly enjoyed it. We have got a great bunch of guys who play hard and committed rugby but enjoy it as well.

"There are no stars at East Grinstead. I have even dropped myself.

"As long as a player is doing well he keeps his place. If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Hennessy, who teaches physical education, brings a handful of players down with him from St Mary's, including prop Justin Smith, back row duo Andy Kennedy and Tim Lucas and wing Paul Goodwin, whose finishing skills have proved a real asset.

He added: "The progress we have made in the past six or seven months shows we are a developing team.

"Our cup tie against them was very disappointing in one aspect. I felt the heart and commitment we showed deserved more, but that's cup rugby."