Bankable rugby star Kearney scores more than €200,000
Rob Kearney in action for Leinster
Rob Kearney and David Epstein at the Denis O'Brien Science Lecture
Rob Kearney, reacts to his side Leinster's 23 - 34 loss to rivals Munster. Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
Rob Kearney, Jamie Heaslip and Dave Kearney
Leinster's Rob Kearney is tackled by BJ Botha as he runs at Munster scrum-half Conor Murphy during the Guinness Pro12 clash at the Aviva. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
HE is arguably Ireland's most marketable rugby player following the retirement of Brian O'Driscoll - and Rob Kearney is certainly making his appeal count.
One of the country's most in demand sporting stars, Kearney saw accumulated profits at his firm jump to more than €200,000 last year.
New figures just lodged by Kearney's Willville Promotions Ltd with the Companies Office, show that the Ireland star is putting his masters in business to good use with profits rising by €33,573 from €190,874 to €224,447 in the 12 months to the end of December last.
According to new accounts filed by the Leinster full back's firm, the cash pile at his firm dipped from €190,081 to €154,790.
However, the accounts show that Kearney was busy during the year investing the spoils from his lucrative professional rugby career with the value of his investments increasing from €15,000 to €65,000.
The filings show that Rob Kearney's younger brother, Leinster and Ireland winger Dave, sits on the board of the firm, but the company - trading as RK 15 - is 100pc owned by Rob Kearney.
Jamie Heaslip with Rob and Dave Kearney at the opening of The Bridge pub in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Picture:Arthur Carron
Jamie Heaslip with Rob and Dave Kearney at the opening of The Bridge pub in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Picture:Arthur Carron
Leinster's Rob Kearney is tackled by George Watkins of the Cardiff Blues during the Guinness PRO12 at the RDS.
Rugby stars Rob and Dave Kearney were at the National Ploughing Championships where they took part in the ‘Welly Line-Out’. They are pictured with winners Edel McGuane from Co Clare (left) and Roza Harrison from Co Wexford. Photo: Dylan Vaughan
Irish Rugby players and brothers Rob and Dave Kearney who judged the Welly LineOut with winners Edel McDuane from Clare and Roza Harrison from Wexford at the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, near Stradbally, Co Laois. Pic:Mark Condren 23.9.2014
Rugby stars Rob and Dave Kearney joined the National Dairy Council on the first day of the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Co. Laois Pictured were Rob And Dave Kearney in the Welly Line Out. Picture Dylan Vaughan
Rugby stars Rob and Dave Kearney joined the National Dairy Council on the first day of the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Co. Laois Picture Dylan Vaughan
The 28-year old Co Louth man has played 55 times for Ireland and represented the Lions in the 2009 series against South Africa and was part of last year's tour of Australia.
During a previous lay off through injury, the former UCD student took advantage of the extra free time by completing a master's degree in business by night.
Kearney's commercial work includes work with Aviva, while both he and brother Dave signed up as ambassadors for the National Dairy Council earlier this year.
The figures show that the amount of corporate tax payable by Willville at the end of 2013 was €19,292 compared to €36,016 in 2012.
Kearney is amongst a host of current Irish stars, including Jamie Heaslip and Paul O'Connell. who have set up promotional firms to take advantage of their marketing potential.
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