IRISH RUGBY HAS the fondest memories of trips to Cardiff, largely on the back of that unforgettable day at the Millenium Stadium in March 2009.
O'Gara drops his most famous Ireland goal of all. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Ronan O’Gara’s 78th-minute drop goal provided the Grand Slam-winning three points, although hearts were in mouths across Ireland as Welsh out-half Stephen Jones got a long-range chance to deny Declan Kidney’s team at the very death.
Amongst those watching on with bated breath was a 21-year-old Tommy O’Donnell, then a fledgling back row prospect with two Munster caps to his name. The weekend after Ireland win their Grand Slam, the Tipperary man would make his third provincial appearance in a defeat to the Glasgow Warriors.
“I remember sitting on my couch, screaming, willing the ball to go over from O’Gara,” says O’Donnell of his memories of that 2009 drama.
It was this incredibly tight, tense game and when you thought we were away, the Welsh came back and they nearly had the chance at the end. It’s a fantastic memory.”
O’Donnell is now an important part of Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad, who look towards the Millenium Stadium on 14 March when their bid for a Grand Slam continues, even if it would take another win a week later in Scotland to secure the clean sweep.
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Left wing Simon Zebo is another man with Cardiff currently on his mind, sure as he is to be integrally involved as Schmidt’s side go for win number four in this year’s championship.
Back in 2009 as Ireland were bidding to secure the second Grand Slam in their rugby-playing history, Zebo had just turned 19 but was already a player whose rich promise was well known.
Zebo in Cork Con colours back in 2009. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Later that same year, he would represent Munster’s U20 side before making a full senior debut in 2010. His recollection of that Grand Slam day involves stopping off to watch the game while travelling home to Cork after an All-Ireland Cup semi-final win over Young Munster.
“They’re very good memories.”
A seminal moment for so many young players in Ireland, inspiration to perhaps someday emulate the likes of O’Gara, Paul O’Connell, Brian O’Driscoll and the rest of that famous cast.
“Absolutely,” answers O’Donnell when asked if that was the case. “I think I was in the same place in 2008 watching Munster win their Heineken Cup final, you want to be there.
“You’re thinking ‘I want to be there, I want to win a significant trophy in my career. I want to be able to look back on my career and be able to say I’ve achieved something.’ Hopefully we can do that.”
Those hopes are shared by the entire Irish rugby community as Schmidt’s men face into a decisive Six Nations fortnight.
The 2009 version of Tommy O'Donnell playing for Munster. Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
Ireland’s recent record, even aside from 2009, is certainly not shabby. In 2013, Zebo scored a try and produced that wondrous flick during a first-half blitz of the Welsh that led to a 30-22 victory.
Wales enjoyed a 19-13 win in 2011, but there are further Irish successes when one delves back to 2007, 2003 and 2001.
T he travelling support might take comfort and confidence from that record, but O’Donnell says the memories will mean little when the ball is kicked off at the Millenium Stadium in nine days’ time.
You can’t go over there on past glories, you have to be in the moment,” says O’Donnell. “You don’t make a tackle on last year’s game, you know?
“You have to be there in the moment, keep going through it with the next tackle, next ruck and keep working to the best of your ability. That’s what wins games.”
'You can’t go over there on past glories' - Ireland set for Wales trip
IRISH RUGBY HAS the fondest memories of trips to Cardiff, largely on the back of that unforgettable day at the Millenium Stadium in March 2009.
Ronan O’Gara’s 78th-minute drop goal provided the Grand Slam-winning three points, although hearts were in mouths across Ireland as Welsh out-half Stephen Jones got a long-range chance to deny Declan Kidney’s team at the very death.
Amongst those watching on with bated breath was a 21-year-old Tommy O’Donnell, then a fledgling back row prospect with two Munster caps to his name. The weekend after Ireland win their Grand Slam, the Tipperary man would make his third provincial appearance in a defeat to the Glasgow Warriors.
“I remember sitting on my couch, screaming, willing the ball to go over from O’Gara,” says O’Donnell of his memories of that 2009 drama.
O’Donnell is now an important part of Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad, who look towards the Millenium Stadium on 14 March when their bid for a Grand Slam continues, even if it would take another win a week later in Scotland to secure the clean sweep.
Left wing Simon Zebo is another man with Cardiff currently on his mind, sure as he is to be integrally involved as Schmidt’s side go for win number four in this year’s championship.
Back in 2009 as Ireland were bidding to secure the second Grand Slam in their rugby-playing history, Zebo had just turned 19 but was already a player whose rich promise was well known.
Later that same year, he would represent Munster’s U20 side before making a full senior debut in 2010. His recollection of that Grand Slam day involves stopping off to watch the game while travelling home to Cork after an All-Ireland Cup semi-final win over Young Munster.
“They’re very good memories.”
A seminal moment for so many young players in Ireland, inspiration to perhaps someday emulate the likes of O’Gara, Paul O’Connell, Brian O’Driscoll and the rest of that famous cast.
“Absolutely,” answers O’Donnell when asked if that was the case. “I think I was in the same place in 2008 watching Munster win their Heineken Cup final, you want to be there.
“You’re thinking ‘I want to be there, I want to win a significant trophy in my career. I want to be able to look back on my career and be able to say I’ve achieved something.’ Hopefully we can do that.”
Those hopes are shared by the entire Irish rugby community as Schmidt’s men face into a decisive Six Nations fortnight.
Ireland’s recent record, even aside from 2009, is certainly not shabby. In 2013, Zebo scored a try and produced that wondrous flick during a first-half blitz of the Welsh that led to a 30-22 victory.
Wales enjoyed a 19-13 win in 2011, but there are further Irish successes when one delves back to 2007, 2003 and 2001.
T he travelling support might take comfort and confidence from that record, but O’Donnell says the memories will mean little when the ball is kicked off at the Millenium Stadium in nine days’ time.
“You have to be there in the moment, keep going through it with the next tackle, next ruck and keep working to the best of your ability. That’s what wins games.”
Whatever it takes.
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All-Ireland Senior HC Six Nations Grand Slam Ireland Joe Schmidt Memories Simon Zebo Wales Tommy O'Donnell