Ronan O’Gara: The Paul O’Connell I know

Paul O’Connell and I are in different places now. He’ll get to where I’m at soon, where most things are in a rearview mirror and frustrations are examined from a wide-angled perspective. 

Now, he’s still in the bubble and playing. Intense and wanting it. I’m able to look back on inspirational experiences. He’s looking forward to more challenges. He’s in the zone, trying to better himself. He’s 35 but Paul O’Connell never cruises. Every day, every day, he seeks to improve himself. That’s lip service for a lot of people, but for him it’s not.

I hope, for his sake, he lifts the Webb Ellis in Twickenham next autumn and sails off into the sunset. With the draw that’s possible. But here’s the thing. Today, he will be more excited than many think about his 100th cap for his country.