'We were blessed. That was day one' - Chris Pim on Leinster's journey from Milan fright to another European showpiece

The Laois man had a front row seat when the game went professional and the province made their first steps in the continental tournament.

HARDWARE: Leinster's Chris Pim celebrates victory over Ulster in 1995. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Another year, another tilt at history. Win or lose, we’ve become accustomed to the sight of Leinster on days like these. Already four-time winners, this is the province’s fourth appearance in a Champions Cup final in the last six seasons. Over 50,000 punters will fill the Aviva Stadium as they go toe to toe with the elite of the French game.

This is just how it is now. But not how it was.