CONNACHT COACH PETE Wilkins says that prolific try scorer Diarmuid Kilgallen is moving to Munster because he believes he will get more game-time there.
The 23-year old from Kildare has scored 12 tries in 22 appearances — Mack Hansen has struck for 11 in 32 games — since coming through the Connacht academy and his sharp eye for the line had made him a hit with fans.
But with Argentine international Santiago Cordero poised to come into the reckoning when he recovers from the knee injury which has sidelined him since he arrived in Galway last summer and Hansen also soon to be back in action, it leaves little space for Kilgallen and a host of other wingers and back three players.
And with Andrew Conway having to retire through injury earlier in this campaign and Simon Zebo possibly finishing with Munster when his contract expires in the summer, Kilgallen has told Wilkins he fancies his chances of more game-time there.
“DK is a really popular member of the squad,” said Wilkins. “I have a lot of time for him. He’s been really effective as a finisher for us. He has that point of difference.
He had the opportunity to go to Munster, the opportunity to stay here as well, and he’s chosen to go. We are disappointed he is going but also understand his reasons.
“Our back three is hugely competitive. Obviously, we have had injuries there, but when you are looking at a back three of Cordero, Hansen, Porch, Smith now on the radar, Bolton has established himself as well, I get it if he is looking for more rugby and in a position group it’s probably looking a bit emptier there in terms of Munster.”
Kilgallen, a product of Naas RFC and Cistercian College, Roscrea, made his debut against Munster in 2020 in the final game of the season at the Aviva Stadium, and his first try was also at headquarters when he scored against Ulster in October 2021.
Kilgallen, who has missed a chunk of this season through injury but is now back available for selection, will bid for a place in the Munster back three and Wilkins understands why he is going as he does not believe they are stronger than Connacht in that department.
“I don’t think so in terms of the numbers pushing for places with the retirements they have got coming at the end of this season,” added Wilkins. “He sees more opportunity to play more regular rugby there. I would have liked him to stay but I understand his reason for going with those fives names I’ve mentioned plus some exciting guys coming through our academy. We won’t be falling short in that area.
It is disappointing, as I have said, but it’s probably a reflection on the programme. It is not just us taking players from other provinces as people often talk about, it’s other guys looking at the players we are developing through our academy and bringing to top level rugby.”
Munster head coach Graham Rowntree, who this week added Billy Burns to his squad for next season to replace Bordeaux-bound Joey Carbery, is excited about the talents he believes Kilgallen will bring to his side.
“Pace, athleticism, height, you see the way we want to play with our backs are back swinging, aerially he is very good as well, very similar to Shane Daly. I met him at Thomond Park a few months ago, we were talking to him and he’s just excited about joining us. But they are the qualities I think will really come through.
“It’s irrelevant how he was presented to us, but I ended up speaking to him and I was mightily impressed by him,” said Rowntree.
Brilliant article. Good man.
Really enjoyed that. Thank you. Watched Pat a lot back in the day and he was a fabulous footballer. Excellent golfer also. Thanks again.
In fairness, these long-read articles on former League of Ireland players tend to be very good, if League of Ireland is your thing. But any chance of the 42/Journal ever doing the same with former GAA and/or rugby players with equally interesting stories to tell?
@Jumperoo: ahhh now one LOI article a fortnight about something very rare (ie successful sides) aint gonna break the GAA monopoly on the 42. The interesting part of European games too might have more a pull then the all ireland aspect of the GAA story
Excellent article. I worked with Pat for over 20 years in John Player and never heard those stories. He is an amazing character and So modest. I’m delighted to say we remain good friends although both now retired and living miles apart
Superb story, what a career, really nice to read about what an impact Eoin Hand had on Irish football too. Keep up the good work.
These articles are outstanding… well done the journal.
Pat is a very modest guy ! I played against pat when he played for Wembley in cals park , he was a great lad and his brother in law was a great Wembley player also , who imo should have played league of Ireland football , but the bookmaker job took over lol , so many old memories of that era . Good luck with the golf pat , a legend .
Another brilliant and interesting write up.Pat Nolan may not be a name that is remembered much outside Limerick but in Limerick city,and county,he’s very fondly remembered as a player who would do everything possible to help Limerick win.He is a thorough gentleman as well and fantastic company to be with.I’m delighted that the 42 also thought that he deserved his own write up as they are probably the only ones who could have persuaded Pat to tell some of these stories.
Great article, brought back some happy memories of heading to the Markets Field as a young teenager to watch that great Limerick United team play.
Superb article. As a limerick man too young to remember these days I really enjoyed this. Thank you!!
Knew Limerick has a good history but nothing like this. Very insightful into the magnificent heights and experiences both Pat and Limerick achieved and it really shows what can happen with sound foundations and quality management anything is possible.
Great article.Pat stayed away from the smokes while Maradonna took the Devils dandruff.
Lovely footballer great career well done Pat!
I’ve had the pleasure of Nolano’s friendship for many years… a truly modest gentleman and a great ambassador for Limerick football. I caddied for Pat when he played in the South of Ireland at Lahinch Golf Club and when you consider that he was a “late starter” he reached a very high standard in a short period of time. Delighted to see his story told by the Journal. Long overdue.
Great story. Pat is a genuine nice man. Showed his talent as a sportsman with Limerick FC and when that was finished gave the Golf his attention and played that game to a very high standard and just as important he honoured and respected the game itself.
That Kevin Fitz story is gas, they were a great outfit.
Superb article, really enjoyed it, well done
Still have my ticket from the Real Madrid game in Lansdowne Rd, great days indeed
Excellent article excellent player
very good storys i remember those days
A great interview Pat.The more I read the prouder I am to have played alongside you with Wembly.You did not play in goals because no one else would you were between the posts because you were GOOD.Now thank God ye were beaten by Real Madrid because if ye had won we would have been beaten in the final by Liverpool.And I do not know where my loyalties would have been in that match.Pat Nolan you are a legend and don’t you forget it.
Another great LOI piece. T
Dead right about the decision to play against Real in Lansdowne – really bugs me when I see Irish clubs taking this option. You never see the opposition doing it.
Lovely interview with a very modest and talented man he left the golf out and he’s very good at that also