Ronan O'Gara: Munster's snakes and ladders isn't my game now, but . . .

Massive frustration at the issues and standards and culture that has seen the former European champions tumble backwards so far into the pack that they are no longer distinguishable, even in Europe, once their crucible

NOT MY GAME: Munster's Tadhg Beirne leads his team through the team tunnel dejected after the game/ Picture: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

‘Love’ is a strong word to use, but it sums up my feeling for Munster.'

IT’S eleven and a half years since I wrote my first column for the Examiner. The guvnor warned me I had to furnish a picture of my contract signing with Jacky Lorenzetti, the owner of Racing 92. We met in a London wine cellar, but the thrust of that first piece was less about retirement and the future and more about gratitude and my unyielding love for Munster. I knew then as I do now that using the word ‘love’ in the context of male team sport jarred a bit with some, but it was true to how I felt. And still do. It was the headline over my first byline.