Galwey s Record Comes To An End

When was the last time anyone saw Mick Galwey eating curried chips during half-time of a Heineken Cup game? Answer = Never!. But last Friday the great man from Co Kerry watched in his civvies.

When was the last time anyone saw Mick Galwey eating curried chips during half-time of a Heineken Cup game? Answer = Never!. But last Friday the great man from Currow in Co Kerry was in his civvies as Munster went about their Heineken Cup business.

It was the first time since he made his debut in the competition, against Swansea in 1995 that Galwey wasn’t in the Munster squad. Forty seven consecutive appearances for the side before he felt the shepherds crook and for one of Ireland’s greatest sportsmen the occasion was tinged with sadness.

”Of course I was a little sad, I wouldn’t be human if I wasn’t. I had great times with the side, great memories, made great friends and enjoyed every single minute of it. So yes, I was sad. I always this day would come and I was probably lucky it didn’t come sooner but with Paul (O’Connell) injured I got those games against Gloucester and Perpignan so I’m thankful for that. Disappointed of course not to be involved because I’m a professional rugby player and that’s what we’re about, but when you look at what’s ahead of me there is some consolation. Paul and (Micko O’Driscoll) are internationals and it’s only a matter of time until Donncha (O’Callghan) becomes one so the disappointment is eased when as I said you see fellas like that keeping you out. I’m delighted for them, I saw them first as good club players then good provincial players and then internationals and I’d like to think I played some part in their progress. They’re the right men for the job now and I wish them the best of luck. Not that I’m going away or anything. I’ll still be around to keep them honest. I’m not wishing them any bad luck but if there are knocks and I’m needed to step back in I’ll be ready!”