Paul O’Connell was always one tough Cookie

It was 1995 when a certain “tall, gangly looking fella with a red head of hair” arrived at Young Munster for the first time.

Gerry Casey, the hero of three Munster Cup victories for the proud Limerick club between 1980 and 1980, had moved on to the presidency and quickly became aware of the considerable potential of the youngster in question.

His name? Paul O’Connell.