BOD, My Tribute
Brian O Driscoll , was hasn’t been said about the great man since his 2nd Six Nations win. His 2nd win in Paris 14 years after the 1st.It all began for him back in 1999 in an Ireland shirt before he wore a Leinster shirt in a senior game. He won a World Cup at under 19 level under Declan Kidney back in 1998, ironic that the same man was in charge 11 years later to deliver a first grand slam since 1948.
Brian O Driscoll is a special player, a once in a lifetime type of player, one does wonder will we see his like again. I really do hope so given that we have quality centre’s coming through all the time. Brendan Maken is one player that really does have a bright future for both Leinster and Ireland.
Back to BOD , he announced his arrival on the world stage as a baby faced 21 year old with that magnificent hat trick on that day he had a great help from his partner that day Rob Henderson , who as we know was his partner in crime against Australia for The Lions in 2001.
Down the years he had done some wonderful things in the blue of Leinster or the green of Ireland. His main centre partner was Gordan D’arcy , they played together 57 times in the centre , it was a world record only surpassed by All Blacks Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith.
His stats don’t lie, 46 tries for Ireland , 26 in the Six Nations and the rest in other test matches including one cracker against Australia at the 03 World Cup. We can mention so many great moments for him.
Somebody told me something very interesting about Brian, for those of us that are in out early 20s or late teens we know nobody else in the 13 shirt for either Ireland or Leinster. That will be a strange moment next season when we look to an xv without his name in it. But that can wait until next season. So for now sit back a savour the great man while you can!!
By
Cian Mc Gibney
18/03/2014.
