After the Irish rugby team’s exit from the World Cup, proud sponsors of the Irish Rugby team, Three, pay tribute to Paul O’Connell. The captain and Three brand ambassador has, throughout his career shown the dedication and sacrifice, on and off the pitch, that’s needed to play for Ireland. In a fitting acknowledgement to Ireland’s rugby legend, Three captures the team‘s appreciation of their captain including praise from long time teammates; Rory Best, Tommy Bowe and Keith Earls.
Reflecting on O’Connell the player and the person, a selection of his Irish teammates were quick to pay tribute to him, Simon Zebo calling him “The best Irish rugby player that’s ever been” with Dave Kilcoyne calling him “a living legend” .
In terms of his overall influence, Rory Best added “If you’re a young lad growing up, you’d learn a lot by looking at him and his approach to the game” with teammates Darren Cave and Tommy Bowe adding that it’s “a pleasure to play alongside a player as good as him” and “Players go out to play for him”.
It didn’t take long for one of his teammates to good-naturedly scale back the compliments, with Keith Earls saying “He’s not as intimidating as people think he is, he’s a big child a heart.” Before adding “He played with my Father, that’s how old he is!” Dave Kilcoyne added “He’s constantly trying to fit in with the younger lads in the squad and he’s been failing now for the past year or two.”
Heaping further praise on O’Connell off the field, Jared Payne added “He speaks like a leader when he needs to but at the same time, off the field, he’s a good guy”
Fans can catch the short film and join the conversation on three.ie, www.facebook.com/3Ireland or @ThreeIreland.
