Fate deals another blow with O’Connor’s withdrawal

THE withdrawal of Cian O’Connor from the Irish team in next week’s Aachen nations cup can only be described as fate kicking us when we are down.

It leaves the team in an invidious position; weakened to the point of farce and facing into what is arguably the world’s most difficult nations cup.

On top of that, the controversy of recent weeks means their every move will be followed to a degree not seen by any team in recent times.