ALMOST 5,000 PEOPLE have already ‘liked’ their way onto a petition to immortalise Ireland’s greatest ever centre in a solid bust.
The Facebook page, Motion to erect a statue of Brian O’Driscoll on Grafton Street, argues:
“‘Phil Lynott, Molly Malone and even Sir John Gray have statues erected on the streets of Dublin..” and it can count the IRFU among those who have clicked the thumbs up button.
So, it’s settled then?
All we need to decide on now is a material – granite would be suitable, perhaps bronze after the chemical reaction makes it green – and a pose.
Here’s 13 stances we think may suit.
Hat-trick BOD
Although, that extra jersey material from our last win in Paris could double the cost of any work commissioned.
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Ill-fated O’Driscoll
‘Don’t go into that ruck, Drico.’
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Bodman?
Potential spoiler alert for anyone who didn’t make it to the end of The Dark Knight Rises, but we loved this head-bowed, cloaked tribute to selflessly heroic figure.
Credit Bat-Blog.com.
Aurelien Rougerie BOD
But that hair doesn’t need a statue. It’s already imprinted in our national consciousness.
©INPHO/Andrew Paton
Alternative career Brian
A technically superior cameraman.
©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Ambassadorial BOD
‘Whaddya mean, you’re out of Powerade?’
©INPHO/Kate Mullen
The rucking centre
Is his finest work done without the ball? He’d be no less recognisable if he were arched over a tackled player, forcing a turnover or penalty.
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
The all-rounder
He’s never shy in helping his fly-half control territory. And, In the really big games, he loves a drop goal.
©INPHO/Graham Stuart
Beach-bod BOD
Alternative title: Point Break Brian.
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Dric-torius
Part one.
©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Part two.
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
The impossible-made-possible, by Brian O’Driscoll
Part one.
©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Part two.
©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Any other suggestions or Brian O’Driscoll memories, please let us know.
So so proud of you Séan, it’s been a joy to watch you grow up and become the man are today x
Disappointed insurance hasn’t been sorted out these days. What’s it going to take…
Best of luck with whatever you do. Your story needs to be told to all young players out there who dream of nothing more than football there has to be a back up plan just in case it all goes belly up. Poor form on the club and the insurance too and the response from the FAI well say no more. There should a player welfare officer for LOI players for issues like this..
@Jill Elliott: There is a new excellent player welfare manager with the PFAI to hopefully tackle some of the issues and provide awareness and guidance to players on career pathways. This lad would be brilliant to speak to players in our league to highlight the realities of playing football in Ireland. Longer term the FAI needs to provide player welfare and assistance to all players.
@Jill Elliott: There is an excellent new player welfare manager with the PFAI who will be tackling these issues and provide guidance and expertise to players. This lad would be brilliant to be brought out to talk to players in our league to highlight the good and the stark realities of playing football in Ireland. Long term the FAI needs to have a player welfare and education role for all players here and abroad.
I have to say Sean , as a limerick man I’m surprised that you being a dub has got involved in a schoolboy team , u 13 s In limerick , not that it’s a bad thing . I urge you to keep faith in what you love , the rest will follow.I have great admiration for what your dad Martin did for soccer in limerick , his philosophy lacked a plan B ,and off the field he had problems , and so did pat o Sullivan . Limerick is a proud city and a great sporting city , lovely to have you aboard .2021 will be a new chapter for soccer in this city , watch this space .hail , hail .
You’ll have long term effects of your first ACL whether you get a second one done or not.
Sorry but it is a fickle career so what did he expect, the pressure on these young men is outrageous!
@Carol Cunningham: nice sentiments
@Carol Cunningham: what an omlette you are
The best league in the world
Use your experiences to help others in the football world. It will make a huge difference. Use your ideas about guidance to get the PFAI to start helping others. Get all your coaching badges as I believe you will make a great coach. Best wishes.