Test Article.

Ireland forwards coach Niall O’Donovan can be forgiven if he is seen wearing a slightly distaracted look this afternoon when Ireland take on Italy in Stadio Flaminio.

Shortly after he hopes to have helped plotted Italy’s demise in rugby, his daughter Maeve will be attempting to progress to the final of the You’re A Star Song Contest (8pm RTE One).

And her Dad Niall, the former Shannon No.8 who was Munster assistant coach for two Heineken Cup finals freely admits that what his daughter puts herself through is far more nerve wracking for him than anything he faces or has faced in international rugby.

“I’m used to the emotions that are involved in rugby whether it be as a player or as a coach, sure I’ve been involved one way or another nearly all my life. But this (watching Maeve) is something totally different. I don’t know how she puts herself through it. She’s done fine. She’s done herself, and us, proud.”

O’Donovan will of course not be able to get back in time to be with his daughter as he was last weekend but expect him to to be in position to view her performance on some Roman television as she takes the stage against two bands in the Helix tonight at 8pm (RTE One).