Centurion O’Mahony inspired by fond memories of Axel

The Munster man will reach the milestone in the French capital on Saturday night.

TON UP: Peter O'Mahony poses for a portrait after an Ireland Rugby media conference at Le Domaine des Vanneaux Hotel in Paris, France. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

There will be added poignancy to Peter O’Mahony’s 100th Ireland cap coming in the French capital at Stade de France tomorrow night, almost seven years on from Anthony Foley’s sudden death in the city.

It was on October 16, 2016 when tragedy befell a Munster squad captained by O’Mahony when their head coach passed away during the night before a Heineken Champions Cup match against Racing 92 and memories of that terrible day in the province’s history have been sparked in the Ireland stalwart’s mind since Andy Farrell’s squad arrived here at the 2023 World Cup for their pool game with South Africa a fortnight ago.