Kidney takes award after ‘special’ year
Winner of the award two years ago, he finished top of the queue again for 2008, in what was one of the tightest votes in the scheme’s 26-year history, thanks to Munster’s successful navigation through the most hazardous of routes to Heineken Cup success.
In claiming the prize, he saw off the claims of Billy Walsh, coach to an Irish Olympic boxing team that delivered three medals, and Brian Cody who guided Kilkenny to an historic third All-Ireland hurling title in a row. The rest of the field was no less qualified.
Modest to a tee as always, Kidney described the province’s second successful European ascent as a “special journey” and dedicated the prize to the people who make Munster tick — players, officials, volunteers, supporters, the lot.
“When you look at the calibre of other people inside that room — Brian Cody, what they have set up in Kilkenny is huge. Mickey Harte, what he has done, what the boxers have done, what the lads in the (GAA) club games have done — to be picked out of that lot is extraordinary, really.”
One of the many lessons he learned during his time with Munster is that you can only dwell on success for so long before it distracts you from the tasks ahead. Ireland’s next game may be months away, but the principle still applies.
He explained: “In an hour’s time, I will have to cut myself off again because the time for looking back is when we’re finished. Right now it’s all about the next match.”
Ronan O’Gara pinpointed a Magners League defeat early last season as being the springboard for their European success and Kidney doesn’t disagree. Ask him to choose his own defining moment in the Heineken campaign proper however and he plumps for that memorable away game in Clermont.
It’s all a long way from where they started and Kidney yesterday recalled a day when Munster travelled to Garryowen on a double decker bus to play Connacht in front of 200 people. Ten months later they were playing at Twickenham in front of 70,000.
He marvels at the rapidity of professional rugby’s rise but called for a sense of perspective amongst Irish fans.
“The important thing is that people remember that it is a sport and there will be highs and lows. You won’t win every year but you can enjoy it every year.”
This year more than most, Declan? “Every morning I wake up is a dream day. It went very well but I’m in it that long to know that I’d like to think I worked as hard in every other year.
“In November, when you are standing there listening to the anthems being played, it’s special. So yeah, it’s been a good year.”
Philips monthly winners
Dec 07 - Damien Richardson (Cork City)
Jan, Apr, May - Declan Kidney (Munster)
Feb 08 - Mickey Whelan (St Vincent’s GAA)
Mar 08 Jimmy Heverin (Portumna GAA)
Jun 08 - Aidan O’Brien (Trainer of Irish Derby winner, Frozen Fire)
July 08 - Conor Counihan (Cork GAA))
Aug 08 - Billy Walsh (Olympic boxing)
Sept 08 - Mickey Harte (Tyrone GAA); Brian Cody (Kilkenny GAA)
Oct 08 - Pat Fenlon (Bohs)
Nov 8 - Peter Taylor (coach to Katie Taylor).
