DARREN CLARKE SAYS Europe’s top golfers were ‘unbelievably impressed’ with Paul O’Connell’s pre-tournament words of encouragement this week.
The Ryder Cup skipper asked the former Ireland and Munster captain to address the travelling side as they prepare to face off against Team USA at Hazeltine.
“Any man that leads the British Lions who are playing overseas all the time, they play away from home; as the people from Europe that know rugby, they are the traveling side. So to get his input and his vision on what it took to make a successful traveling side was very impressive,” Clarke explained.
“The caddies, the players, everybody in that room; you could have heard a pin drop whenever Paul was addressing them. And it was quite interesting, because Paul is a very — a very large man, 6’7″, 6’7″ and a half. And he’s big in stature. But whenever Paul addressed the team, he sat down. He didn’t stand up. He didn’t feel the need to stand up and intimidate anybody. He brought himself down on the same level as everybody else.
“The team and the caddies were unbelievably impressed with the words that he gave us last night, so I was very, very thankful for him to come along and do that. The guys were thoroughly inspired.”
Magician Dynamo was invited to entertain the players after the meeting with O’Connell meanwhile.
“After that, going into the team room and having Dynamo there, Paul was in there, as well, with Dynamo and to see the guys switch off a little bit and chill and enjoy themselves was also very beneficial. All in all, it was a very productive evening,” said Clarke.
Surely when O’ Connell was speaking you could have heard a Pinergy drop?….
British & IRISH Lions Captain.
When O’Connell was captain of the British and Irish Lions he was 6 feet 6 inches. It seems when he was captain of the British Lions he grew an inch and a half.
Well spotted Tom, was thinking the same thing myself. No reference to him being Ireland’s captain either. Can’t imagine how O’Connell could be such an inspirational speaker though. He’s got one of the most boring monatone voices I’ve ever heard. Can understand him being able to motivate a rugby team ok by shouting and roaring and banging on the walls but not like with the Ryder Cup team. Still, I must have misjudged him.
It’s not the most exciting voice in the world but he’s one of the greatest and most dedicated athletes our country has ever produced. That level of consistency commands respect.
Fair play Cian, not disputing any of that. I was merely referring to his tone of voice but, like I said, I obviously misjudged him.
Magician dynamo?? Sweey mother of fuxkkk
@Trevor Beacom:
Sounds like he did not put the fear of god in them last night.
Nathan Carter is entertaining the team tonight
Niall Horan has been invited by Clarke too .They are going to take turns bouncing him on they’re knee’s while he sings a little song.
An excellent golfer in his youth was Paul
The club is in a perfect position on his backswing there, not open, not closed – perfectly square. Must be handy
They should send Paul out to shadow Tiger, golfers of a similar standard now
Our greatest ever forward and captain.