It’s thirsty work being the hope of the nation

HAVE you noticed how thirsty Brian O’Driscoll gets during post-match interviews? As soon as Jim or Ryle addresses him he’s off, bottle to the lips, label displayed proudly, glug, glug.

The process is repeated at least three times before the interview ceases and the sponsors must be delighted at the thought of the young fans drinking it all in.

Ah, what harm, more 'power' to him I say, the guy has a right to earn a few bob and carrying a nation's hopes on your shoulders is thirsty work. In fact, last weekend the Leinster legend must have become parched trying to wring some emotion out of a lacklustre Lansdowne crowd.

Forty seven thousand fans and you'd get more atmosphere at a Mormon scrabble tournament. As one (Munster) cynic was heard to comment: "Sure, half them don't know what they're watching".

The contrast with Welford Road the following day could not have been greater and yet it is the Munster fans who must rummage under the sofa yet again to find the means to fund the high cost of a trip to France yet again. Travel agents protest their innocence but the cost of these day trips is crippling. Yet we know the Red Army will travel regardless.

There is a conspiracy theory doing the rounds which goes thus: this is the fourth year in succession that the best-supported team in the Heineken Cup has been forced to journey to the country of the worst supported team for their semi-final. If Toulouse were asked to come to Ireland how many of their fans would travel, 1,500?

The Leinster supporters have a much shorter, cheaper jaunt back to Lansdowne for their clash with Perpignan and, after all Munster have been through, there is increasing fear and bitterness down South at the thought of the Lions going on to win the trophy. It is the equivalent of one guy spending hours chatting up a girl in the bar, and then when he goes to the jacks his mate takes her home.

Europe is predictably dominating rugby discussion at the moment but we must not forget what is happening domestically. For a start, there is a huge relegation battle in Thomond Park this weekend between Co Carlow and UL-Bohemians. And tomorrow, Dolphin bid to secure promotion to Division One in their centenary year knowing that a win against Malone will see them home. Forgive the parochialism, but it is a huge day for the club and, having figured in a small way in their campaign (a pity substitution against Greystones), that is the scenario I pray will unfold.

As in every club, there are so many genuine people working so hard behind the scenes, giving years of service like Dick O'Meara, the groundsman who played for Dolphin in the 1950s, and, should they win tomorrow, dry eyes will be hard to find in Musgrave Park.

There are numerous other AIL clashes taking place over the country and, if true rugby fans want to keep our provinces on the up, it is vital that the domestic league is supported. It is the breeding ground for the provinces, the league where Brian O'Driscoll cut his teeth with UCD and Paul O'Connell his with Young Munster.

Irish scouts might want to take in the British Universities final in Twickenham later this month which will feature a 6ft 6in 17st lock from Ballydehob, County Cork who plays for UWIC in Wales.

Lugha Verling, younger brother of Aaron Verling, formerly of Cork Constitution and London Irish, is in his early 20s and said to be highly promising. One to watch.