Rugby hero’s reward for safe delivery

RUGBY star Paul O’Connell is a safe pair of hands on land or sea and yesterday the Munster and Ireland kingpin was presented with an Irish Water Safety award for his brave rescue of a stricken surfer.

Last July the sporting giant was enjoying some surfing at Lahinch, Co Clare, when he noticed a fellow surfer in difficulty.

Paul immediately went to the 22-year-old woman’s rescue, battling through waves and surf to bring her to safety.