THERE HAVE BEEN tough moments for Anthony Foley at Munster in his first season as head coach of his native province, but the former number eight is in charge of the only Irish side that can end the 2014/15 campaign with silverware.
His influence over Munster has grown as the season has developed and though he admitted his side’s 21-18 win over the Ospreys yesterday was “touch and go at times,” there was satisfaction at seeing the province into their first final since 2011.
Foley will have a strong belief in Munster’s ability to finish the job next weekend against Glasgow in Kingspan Stadium, even if he’s wary of the attacking threats Gregor Townsend’s side will bring to the final.
First, the ex-Ireland international and his coaching team will reflect on surviving a thrilling semi-final against the Ospreys, one they’ll feel they should have put away well before a grandstand finish.
The losses of Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony inside the first 45 minutes of the game were clear blows, but Foley denied that there was a lack of leadership in the closing half an hour with that influential pair absent.
We kick our goals and we’re not having this conversation, we were two from eight,” said Foley post-match. “I think that’s where we were in the game and that’s disappointing, as well as handing them scores.
“But we still had Denis Hurley on the pitch leading the side, we still had Paul O’Connell leading the side in the pack, so we had a lot of quality out there. We had a lot of physical leaders out there in Andrew Smith and CJ Stander, Dave Kilcoyne was physically going at them, Paddy Butler was physically going at them.”
While admitting that it was disappointing to be “fighting for our lives, fighting for another week in the season” in that closing minute, when the Ospreys had a Josh Matavesi try chalked off due to a Rhys Webb knock-on, Foley also looked to the positives.
“The character that the players showed, the work rate to keep turning up for each other, fellas in the backfield throwing their bodies under other bodies to chop fellas who’d beaten them for feet, it was an incredible effort.”
Chief among the men flinging themselves into contact was Paul O’Connell, once again looking far younger than his 35 years of age.
There were emotional scenes as the legendary lock admitted it was probably his final game for Munster at Thomond Park, and Foley lauded O’Connell’s performance in what was another tough semi-final situation for a team that’s lost quite a few of them.
Brilliant, brilliant. Set-piece, work rate, driving other people, it’s just constant search of a trophy for him. We were one from nine in semi-finals so a lot of our players wouldn’t have good experience in semi-finals.
“We’ve had a lot of hurt around them and we just needed to get one over the line. Two teams will go at it hard in Kingspan next week and I can guarantee that the team that wins it will have earned it this year.”
1. Gary Breen
2. Gary Breen
3. Gary Breen
4. Gary Breen
5. Gary Breen
6. Gary Breen
7. Gary Breen
8. Gary Breen
9. Gary Breen
10. Gary Breen
11 Gary Breen
There’s only 1 Gary Breen (sing it)
Now that team would have no bother Knocking a few past the Estonians!!
Please let all this Euro 2012 bullsh*t go away quickly.
Come on Estonia.
What about Keith Andrews and Caleb Folan?
That’s some team alright!
What! No Ronnie Whelan, Mark Lawrenson, Packie Bonner or John Aldridge
Should argue that the team was based on consensus, but not outright agreement, between the four co-managers. I had Bonner and Aldo in my eleven!
No Kevin Kilbane? I’m out.
Packie as GK I would argue.
Fact.
Great team – maybe Moran at the back instead of Dunne, but a close call.
Great bench too – Aldridge, Duff, O’Leary, Bonner, Quinn, Whelan, Townsend.
Agreed on Moran, not arguing with Dunne’s contribution but Moran has three major tournaments behind him. Possibly Aldo/Givens instead of Stapo??
Well what about Liam Whelan? Tony Dunne? Noel Cantwell? Johnny Carey? All should be considered except they played before armchair afficianados knew best.
Also it would be easier if you adopted the classic ‘W’ formation when allocating positions viz 1 Goalkeeper, 2 Right Back, 3 Left Back, 4 Right-Half, 5 Centre-Half, 6 Left-Half, 7 Outside Right, 8 Inside Right, 9 Centre Foward 10 Inside Left, 11 Outside Left
Sorry to be so old fashioned!
dead on but very little footage of these lads in action.
As brilliant as Liam Whelan was for United, he only had four caps for Ireland. That’s too little to be considered. Dunne rarely repeated his United form for Ireland.
Well Miguel only four caps yes but that was because he was killed at Munich. He’s was Ireland’s Duncan Edwards
wouldnt have staunton in there, irwin should be at LB. no because i dislike him as a manager, i just dont feel he was that good despite his 100+ caps. kilbane has that many and nobody rates him that highly
better irish RB would be carr, gary kelly or finnan.
john o shea won a stack of medals at united so possibly him at lb if irwin is at rb
Great except for the notable exception of one Gary Doherty
What! No Tony Grealish? The Chuck Norris of Irish football. Remember that 40 yard screamer vs Cyprus.
davie langan 12foot tall when he pulled on the green jersey one of irelands best ever
Forgotten Heroes
GK: Dean Kiely
RB: Gary Kelly
CB: Gary Breen
CB: Phil Babb
LB: Ian Harte
RM: Jason McAteer
CM: Mark Kinsella
LM: Kevin Kilbane
RF: David Connolly
CF: Gary Doherty
LF: Clinton Morrison
Where is steve highway, heart of Mick McCarthy more than the skills,
That’s a great team, no complaints there. Subs bench of Kevin Moran, Ronnie Whelan, John Aldridge, Quinner and Mick McCarthy.
What !
No Gary Waddock ?
No Ashley Grimes ?!!
What about Bernie Slaven ?!!!
Terry Phlean…any games?
Quinny instead of stapleton maybe, Lawrenson for Dunne maybe/maybe not? Duff/Houghton?, Very tight calls, Also it is quite a recent team, giles apart, Did any of the greats of the past get a look in? It is a great team however and would take a bit of beating!
I wouldn’t let Roy Keane near an Irish shirt.
0-0 tonight and 1-1 on Tuesday.
To offer my two (or maybe 11) cents… based exclusively on their performances for Ireland and effect on biggest games
1. Packie Bonner
2. Chris Hughton
3. Denis Irwin
4. Paul McGrath
5. Kevin Moran
6. Roy Keane
7. Ray Houghton
8. John Giles
9. Robbie Keane
10. Niall Quinn
11. Liam Brady
Don’t think much of Keane as a footballer. Great heart yes and Irish through & through!
Can’t argue too much about that selection. Pity no room for Ronnie Whelan. For 32 counties add Jennings,Dougan & Best…..NOW you’re talking World beaters!
. Packie Bonner
. .Steve Finnan Richard Dunne paul McGrath Denis irwin
Damian Duff Roy Keane
Johnny Giles
Liam Brady
Robbie Keane
Niall Quinn
cant forget about this amazing centre back also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoUNrjrRXw8
0-0 tonight, 1-1 Tuesday.
shu-upyatick
No place for Clinton McMorris??!!!!!
Seriously though, great team, I might just make one change…Duff for Houghton!