Advertisement

Two more years: Paul O'Connell signs on with Munster until 2014

The talismanic second row has penned a new Irish international contract that will keep him at Thomond Park while Connacht also tie up two players.

MUNSTER SKIPPER PAUL O’Connell will remain with the province until at least 2014, after he today signed a new IRFU contract.

Munster coach Tony McGahan made the announcement at this morning’s media briefing ahead of the province’s Rabo Direct Pro12 meeting with Treviso on Saturday.

“All of us at Munster are delighted that Paul has agreed an extension to his contract that sees him remain with Munster for the next two seasons,” said McGahan.

“He’s our captain and his competitive instinct on the playing field coupled with his influence on the Squad environment is immeasurable.

“That Paul has been chosen to lead Ireland in the upcoming RBS Six Nations reflects on his leadership capabilities but it’s his constant desire to become a better player whilst improving those around him that makes him such a powerful and valuable member of the Munster squad,” he added.

O’Connell himself was in reflective mood after he emerged from a morning in the UL gym to meet the press.

“I’ve been lucky over the last 10  years to play with a team like Munster that has such phenomenal support and I’ve enjoyed a lot of success during that time,” he said.

“So much has changed since my first games for Munster and Ireland. Heineken Cup and Grand Slam wins, Celtic League, now of course RaboDirect PRO12, titles. Brand new stadia and having the opportunity to play with so many good players, that it was always a very easy decision to remain in my home province.

“I’m feeling really good both mentally and physically, which in part goes down to how well we are looked after here in Ireland.So I’m really looking forward to the remainder of this season and beyond.  And doing all I can to help make Munster and Ireland as successful as possible.”

Ireland’s call

Ireland coach – and former Thomond Park chief - Declan Kidney too is today happy to have the deal done. “It is a very strong message when you have a player of Paul’s standing opting to continue playing in Ireland with Munster.

Paul has been a very important player and leader for both Ireland and Munster during his career and I am especially pleased that he has come back so strongly after his injury troubles.”

Pic: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

O’Connell has won two Heineken Cups, one as captain, as well as two Magners league titles and a Celtic Cup with Munster.

Elsewhere, Connacht Rugby too have signed up winger Tiernan O’Halloran and Sportsground favourite Michael Swift.

Here’s your early contender for sports picture of 2012…

Poll: would you like to see Roy Keane on the RTÉ football panel?

Close
4 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aidan Kearney
    Favourite Aidan Kearney
    Report
    Jul 9th 2012, 7:38 PM

    Have no lessons been learned since Cian O Connor lost the Gold medal! Dont blame the horse.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mcgoo
    Favourite mcgoo
    Report
    Jul 9th 2012, 8:13 PM

    Irish showjumping is poxed

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Victoria Power
    Favourite Victoria Power
    Report
    Jul 9th 2012, 11:03 PM

    Please post a link to the statement Denis made on his web site in the spirit of fairness http://www.denis-lynch.com
    The behaviour of the HSI committee is deplorable after the dedication he demonstrated to secure an Olympic individual place. A member of the committee who decided to remove his ratification was the team vet that examined his horse 2 hours before the competition and advised team manager that the horse was sound to compete despite his concerns.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Reynolds
    Favourite Johnny Reynolds
    Report
    Jul 9th 2012, 11:17 PM

    If what Denis has said is true, there is something seriously wrong going on there

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Adam Pamplin
    Favourite Adam Pamplin
    Report
    Jul 9th 2012, 9:26 PM

    He shouldn’t even have figured as a contender to go to the Olympics 2012 having been sent home from Beijing in 2008 for the very same thing.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Stack
    Favourite Tony Stack
    Report
    Jul 9th 2012, 9:28 PM

    A bit harsh, it might be naturally occurring, and its within the rules of the horsejumping body. Like the UK rule with Millar and Chambers that was overturned, the national association should not rule like this, as he was not banned by the IOC . Any thoughts on this or am I wrong?

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Reynolds
    Favourite Johnny Reynolds
    Report
    Jul 9th 2012, 11:03 PM

    What a joke, why would Denis risk it when he’s got one of the best show jumpin horses in the world. Surely, with the amount of money involved in horses, they can come up with a clear test for drug taking. One that shows a very clear difference between natural and artificial hypersensitivity in the horses legs. Seen as he got kicked out last time on disputable grounds, why would he try it again and risk his lively hood. Something doesn’t smell right

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Oonagh Fitzgibbon
    Favourite Oonagh Fitzgibbon
    Report
    Jul 9th 2012, 11:20 PM

    Disgraceful….heartbreaking for him & his team….read his statement…something v odd going on!

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Killian Maher
    Favourite Killian Maher
    Report
    Jul 9th 2012, 11:25 PM

    Title should be “Unintroducing Denis Lynch”

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Roy Scott
    Favourite Roy Scott
    Report
    Jul 9th 2012, 10:12 PM

    Pity, wonder of other nations have same issues?

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matt12
    Favourite Matt12
    Report
    Jul 10th 2012, 5:31 AM
    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Scattered Showers
    Favourite Scattered Showers
    Report
    Jul 10th 2012, 12:13 PM

    i think there is something in the wording here.
    why use disqualified instead of withdrawn for health reasons…..
    Other questions are how widespread is the problem of horses being illegally Hypersensitive? How easy is this to administer to a horse and what are the benefits as a result?

    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.