Paul O Connell Tribute
I didn’t think I would be writing this particular piece until after Ireland were finished with the World Cup but alas sport is not sentimental and injuries happen at the worst possible time at the best of times. Paul O Connell has been struck down with a severe hamstring injury that will rule him out of the rest of the World Cup.
Having make his debut in 2002 against Wales and scoring a try that he can’t remember due to a concussion suffered early in that game. He has been ever present for Ireland barring a few spells on the side-lines and was one appearance short of 100 starts for Ireland. This would have been another milestone that this incredible player would have added to his list of achievements that include 3 Six Nations titles, 4 Triple Crowns and a Grand Slam in 2009.
As we know he led Ireland on 28 occasions, third only to Keith Wood and Brian O Driscoll. We have seen and heard about his rousing speeches whether that be from players or coaches. He is a true Warrior that deserves huge credit for keeping his standards as high as he did for so long in green.
He has had a new lease of life under Joe Schmidt who made him captain when he took over as head coach in 2013. He seemed thrive under the new regime that came so close to beating the All Blacks in November 2013 but since that day Ireland have gone on to greater heights by winning back to back Six Nations titles with “ Paulie “ as Captain. They also beat Australia and South Africa in November 2014 to prove to the rugby world that they could beat members of the so called “Big Three “.
Any player that has played under him will tell you what an inspiration he is and what quality’s he brings to the role of Captain. He is credited with helping change the mentality of Irish Rugby from We Might Win It To We Will Win It.
Finally Paul, Thank you for all you have done for Irish Rugby over your 13 year career in Green. I realise you would have wanted to leave on your own terms but as you would be the first to admit you can’t always have things the way you want them. Your number 5 shirt is in safe hands now with Iain Henderson. He seems to have learned a few tricks from you already.
Simply Paul Thank You So Much for your Blood , Sweat and Tears in your quest to drive Irish Rugby to Bigger and Better Things.
By
Cian Mc Gibney
13/10/2015
