Mighty Mal content at 70 not out

MIKE GIBSON played his last match for Ireland in 1979, five years after Malcolm O’Kelly was born. Therefore, it’s hardly a surprise that the 6 ft 7 inch giant from Templeogue, who breaks Gibson’s Irish cap record at Murrayfield today, knows his predecessor in the record books only by reputation.

However, he is fully aware of Gibson’s status in the game and that he has achieved nothing comparable on the rugby field. “They’re two different eras. I get ten caps a year, he had to fight for his three or four. He did it over 15 years, I did it over eight.”

Nevertheless, nothing can detract from O’Kelly’s achievement. Professional rugby is a tough business and to perform at the highest level for the best part of a decade is a considerable achievement. He has been criticised over the years for laziness, lack of commitment, a laissez-faire approach. He’s been dropped and cautioned but he’s still there, so he must be doing something right.