Bringing back the O’Connell effect

THE big man is back. After countless injury setbacks and several elapsed return deadlines, his frustration is finallyr over. Paul O’Connell returns to a Munster European matchday squad for the first time in the best part of a year tomorrow at Thomond Park.

The sense of excitement within the province has been palpable. Pictures of O’Connell emerging from the Thomond Park tunnel in the black and amber of his club, Young Munster, made the local front pages. A hefty portion of the 4,000 who watched the AIL tie against Shannon were clearly there in the hope of witnessing their hero’s return.

We didn’t have to wait too long before he reappeared in the red of Munster. Last weekend’s Magners League tie was still in the balance when O’Connell was sprung from the bench.