Supporters Treated To O’Connell Q&A

Members of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club were offered exclusive access to an evening with Paul O’Connell in Cork last week.

On completing his Ireland duties earlier that day with the open training session in Irish Independent Park O’Connell returned for an evening Q&A with 130 members of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club.

With Michael Corcoran fulfilling the MC duties a relaxed O’Connell talked openly and candidly about his rugby career with questions from the floor and ample time for everyone attending to get autographs and photographs afterwards.

In discussing Ireland’s pre-season programme, World Cup preparations and the upcoming move to Toulon Paul chatted freely about his with time Munster giving the audience an insight into his provincial career that spanned 14 seasons.

When asked who he rated as his best second row partner the Limerick man was quick to dismiss any Munster bias when name-checking Donncha O’Callaghan. He cited O’Callaghan’s training methods, preparation, work ethic, effort and professionalism as to the very reasons why Munster’s most capped player was a leader in his field.

O’Connell who more than played his part in Munster’s most successful outings at home and abroad, mentioned the December 2009 game away to Perpignan and January 2006 game against Sale in Thomond Park as stand-out moments during his career.

In contrast he said this year’s PRO12 final against Glasgow was a low point and very difficult to take, not so much the defeat, but the manner in which the team did not perform.

Despite the lack of silverware in recent years O’Connell is hopeful for the future and believes if the supporters can help the lads build on days like Clermont away in December (Munster fought back to secure a late bonus point) and continue the journey with them, there will be success ahead.

View the pictures captured by MRSC Photographer Linda Molloy here.