Advertisement
O'Connell will deliver his speech later. PA Archive/Press Association Images

Paul O'Connell arrives in Minnesota to deliver motivational speech to Darren Clarke's Europe

European captain Clarke is hoping to tap into O’Connell’s extraordinary leadership qualities.

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.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

‘Rory’s a wonderful young man and an unbelievable golfer. He’s hugely inspirational’

Close
19 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dan
    Favourite Dan
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 3:56 PM

    I WANT YE TO PUT THE FEAR OF GOD INTO THE BALL! SWING AT IT LIKE ITS GATLANDS HEAD!

    269
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mr KnowitAll
    Favourite Mr KnowitAll
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 4:03 PM

    A special article just for Dan.

    102
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Minom Pnom
    Favourite Minom Pnom
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 5:45 PM

    Why did he have to wear a brendan grace bottler sketch outfit tho?

    193
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Baz
    Favourite Baz
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 5:29 PM

    “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….”

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Link
    Favourite Link
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 5:56 PM

    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!

    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Cavey
    Favourite Peter Cavey
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 5:35 PM

    Mmmmm… Milk!

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Limón Madrugada
    Favourite Limón Madrugada
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 5:01 PM

    The Irish Independent is reporting that Fergie might speak too . But they’d need subtitles for him

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tomás Tiernan
    Favourite Tomás Tiernan
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 6:56 PM

    I’d say Fergie can let all the trophies he has won do the talking!!

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tomás Tiernan
    Favourite Tomás Tiernan
    Report
    Sep 28th 2016, 12:48 PM

    @Martin Quinn and how many premiership’s/champions leagues/ fa cups etc have you won??

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Damien
    Favourite Damien
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 8:54 PM

    “Manic Fu@kin aggression lads!!!!”

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry Ryan deG
    Favourite Gerry Ryan deG
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 8:27 PM

    The lads back at Linfield wont be impressed with Big Darren’s choice

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dick Woody
    Favourite Dick Woody
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 7:24 PM

    Why did he go dressed like Bottler?

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Reilly
    Favourite Tom Reilly
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 8:52 PM

    @Dick Woody: I didn’t see any photos of him in the Minnesota. Where can I see them?

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Josephine Gallagher
    Favourite Josephine Gallagher
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 11:54 PM

    @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.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Pepper
    Favourite Ken Pepper
    Report
    Sep 28th 2016, 8:45 AM

    O Driscoll must be #gutted

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Pepper
    Favourite Ken Pepper
    Report
    Sep 28th 2016, 8:44 AM

    Monotone rugby player waffling on with management speak to a golf crowd. A great cute for insomnia to be there.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dead Ball Browne
    Favourite Dead Ball Browne
    Report
    Sep 27th 2016, 11:46 PM

    € 50,000 will do nicely….

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute simon
    Favourite simon
    Report
    Sep 28th 2016, 11:19 AM

    He doesn’t have the voice for motivational speeches

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.