Barry Murphy, Munster's young centre who was called up to the Ireland training squad due to Dempsey's injury, throws a pass at the session. Murphy hit the heights in Munster's 31-9 Heineken Cup defeat of Sale last Saturday as he scored a try on the way to earn the man-of-the-match gong. The UL Bohs clubman is a former Ireland Under-21 international.

Video analyst Mervyn Murphy in familiar pose as he tapes the session.

Jamie Heaslip (back centre) in jovial mood as he and Peter Stringer tackle Heaslip's Leinster team mate Guy Easterby.

Munster prop Marcus Horan on the charge.

Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan and forwards coach Niall O'Donovan look on at St Gerard's. O'Sullivan has named his matchday 22 for the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Italy, leaving out hooker Shane Byrne and winger Denis Hickie, two regulars during the 2005 6 Nations.

The Irish squad crowd around, with Munster scrum half Peter Stringer in the middle, at the end of the session.

**All photos by Donall Farmer and Lorraine O'Sullivan of Inpho Photography**