Irish rugby has that ‘GAA mentality’



[ad_1]

Paul O’Connell believes that much of his success with Munster and Ireland stemmed from the “GAA mindset” that exists in Irish rugby.

The legendary blocking forward played from 2001 to 2015 and collected two Heineken Cup medals with Munster, as well as three Six Nations championships with Ireland.

It was a period of unprecedented success for the provinces and the country.

While clubs and indeed the national team have always had several foreigners in their ranks, O’Connell felt that the relationship between teams and fans compares to the unique bond that exists in Gaelic games, where players They, for the most part, represent their local clubs and counties.

“I grew up in the 1990s when we didn’t win anything,” O’Connell, Barnardos’ ambassador, told RTÉ’s Late Late Show.

“[When I was playing] It was a very pure time to participate.

“I think in Irish rugby, in particular, we have the GAA mentality but you are a professional athlete.

“So, you’re playing for the team you dreamed of growing up with playing in front of your family and friends, in the city [Limerick] you grew up in

“But you are a professional athlete. It was an incredible setting to participate in.”

O’Connell retired after an injury in 2015 after racking up 115 international games, including seven for the Lions, a team he captained in 2009.

He revealed that the “big games” are not lost, but rather the sense of purpose involved in being involved with so many elite teams.

“I don’t miss big games,” said the 40-year-old.

“I don’t miss the training or the routine. I miss the sense of purpose he had when he played.”

“I’m probably chasing that [a purpose] At the time. Family is probably the main thing I enjoy the most: I have a ten-year-old boy, a five-year-old and a two-year-old.

“He is quite busy, he is very nice and the last few weeks have been amazing, sometimes difficult, but it has been a lot of fun.”

The second second row is also kept busy through his work with the children’s charity.

O’Connell (r) spent some time as an advisor in the Irish camp during the Six Nations 2020

He added: “Barnardos cannot advertise his services because they have such capacity that they can hardly bring more people to the door.”

“They have a waiting list of about 600 families for the meals they are delivering right now.

“They ask us to do things for charity all the time … I am always ashamed to do things, because there are people who are doing this absolutely monstrous amount of work behind the scenes to raise money or provide a service.”

“We came here to profile the event, talk and take a picture, and it’s always very embarrassing for me.”

“When I played in my career … I probably didn’t use my profile enough when I was playing to help Barnardos and that’s what I’m doing now.”

Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.



[ad_2]