Updated at 17.00
DARREN CLARKE HAS enlisted the help of Paul O’Connell to deliver a motivational speech to his European players ahead of the start of the Ryder Cup on Friday.
Just as Paul McGinley did with Sir Alex Ferguson two years ago, Clarke will hope O’Connell can help galvanise his team as they go in search of a fourth straight victory at Hazeltine.
According to The Telegraph, the former Ireland and Munster captain landed in Minnesota last night and will meet the players after they’ve completed their practice rounds later today.
O’Connell, who currently has a role with the Munster Academy, had been on Clarke’s wishlist for some time, although he had already intended to travel to America for the three-day event.
With six rookies – Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello, Belgian Thomas Pieters and an English quartet — Matthew Fitzpatrick, Andy Sullivan, Chris Wood and Masters winner Danny Willett — in his team, Clarke will want O’Connell’s outstanding leadership qualities to rub off on his players.
While Europe have dominated lately, a veteran USA team are favourites to reclaim the trophy they’ve lost eight of the last 10 editions.
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I WANT YE TO PUT THE FEAR OF GOD INTO THE BALL! SWING AT IT LIKE ITS GATLANDS HEAD!
A special article just for Dan.
Why did he have to wear a brendan grace bottler sketch outfit tho?
“Don’t worry about how good their team appears to be. I’ve played against the All Blacks many times throughout my career and, and….”
They’d want to sort out their safe houses now, the last thing I’d want to do is make Paul O Connell feel like he wasted his time!
Mmmmm… Milk!
The Irish Independent is reporting that Fergie might speak too . But they’d need subtitles for him
I’d say Fergie can let all the trophies he has won do the talking!!
@Martin Quinn and how many premiership’s/champions leagues/ fa cups etc have you won??
“Manic Fu@kin aggression lads!!!!”
The lads back at Linfield wont be impressed with Big Darren’s choice
Why did he go dressed like Bottler?
@Dick Woody: I didn’t see any photos of him in the Minnesota. Where can I see them?
@Dick Woody: that photo with the cap is from RWC 2015 I think.
I doubt he’ll deliver his motivational speech to the team publicly or from a lectern.
O Driscoll must be #gutted
Hmmm…
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/i-wasnt-playing-candy-crush-paul-oconnell-on-being-glued-to-his-ipad-during-irish-world-cup-defeat-34198344.html
Monotone rugby player waffling on with management speak to a golf crowd. A great cute for insomnia to be there.
€ 50,000 will do nicely….
He doesn’t have the voice for motivational speeches