Stringer still on the hard drive

YOU only had to hear the excited clamour that erupted among the thousands of people as Peter Stringer mingled with them during Munster’s highly successful “open day” at Thomond Park yesterday to appreciate the lasting popularity of one of the country’s very special sports people.

The younger folk, especially, couldn’t get enough of him and, as ever, Peter was happy to oblige. Later, he spoke of how happy he is with his current status in the Munster set-up, while admitting he did a lot of soul searching over the last three or four years as his place with province and country came under increasing pressure. There were occasions when Ireland didn’t invite him along at all, as Tomás O’Leary and Eoin Reddan were given preference. It was little wonder he should have considered his options.

“I suppose these thoughts go through your head when things aren’t working out for you“, he admitted. “I found myself speaking to family and coaches, people I respect the most, and, after lengthy discussions and having faith and confidence in my own ability, sticking at a job and seeing it through, I got an opportunity in the autumn internationals.