Category: Uncategorized

Muhammad Ali: The Greatest

I woke early on Saturday to the sad news, news we were expecting, but no less awful for that. Muhammad Ali is gone. The most revered sportsman of all time. The Greatest. Despite having spent the last thirty years being ravaged by the debilitating condition that is Parkinson’s Disease, his passing still comes as a shock. Isn’t that the way it always works, though? Somehow, regardless of the relentless inevitability of death, we don’t expect our heroes to die. No matter how many times it happens, we find it hard to accept the mortality of heroic and iconic people.

It’s part of the human condition. Each of us are programmed to view our heroes as transcendent, quasi-immortal figures. Even the grim certainty of death is unable to penetrate this cruel illusion. Such deception of the mind is especially common with individuals as iconic as Ali. We just can’t accept they’re gone. It doesn’t seem right, plausible even, that someone so superhuman and powerful is as mortal as the rest of us. Even when we’re confronted with inescapable evidence of their fragility, as we had been  through Ali’s cruel, chronic illness, we find it difficult to accept the merciless truth. I suppose this syndrome is one of the reasons people still occasionally see Elvis in chip shops. Heroes just aren’t supposed to leave us. And that’s why it devastates us when they do.

I’m too young to remember Muhammad Ali fight. Instead, I came to him through my father. My Dad is the biggest Ali fan imaginable, Muhammad Ali is his all-time hero. Like many of that generation, Dad seemed to regard Ali as the personification of sporting perfection. Therefore, I grew up with stories of the legend. The iconic fights, the trash talk, the peerless record of achievement. As a young lad, I heard about Ali’s brutal three fights with Joe Frazier and of course the big daddy of them all: the Rumble in the Jungle when Ali dethroned the mammoth George Foreman to regain the heavyweight title. The Rumble intrigued me the most. Forget the amiable figure with the grill. Foreman was an utterly terrifying pugilist in 1974. My Dad would regale me with stories of this gigantic, intimidating man who seemed virtually indestructible.  And yet the immovable object was indeed defeated, Ali employing his controversial and innovative “Rope-a-Dope” strategy to fell the hitherto unbeaten Foreman. I subsequently watched the fight myself in later years, and the Rumble ingrained the Ali legend in my mind.

When I discovered more about the man, though, what really interested me was his life outside the ring. I’ve always been fascinated by Ali’s activism; the name change, his strident opposition to racism in all its ugly forms, and his courageous refusal to be conscripted into the Vietnam War. For me, these convictions and crusades truly illuminate Ali the man. His conscientious objection to  Vietnam, moreover, defined Ali’s career as much as anything else. His opposition to the controversial war cost Ali three years of championship bouts at a time when he was entering the peak of his athletic powers. The enforced sabbatical undoubtedly had a detrimental effect on the ascendant star. How good would Ali have been otherwise? It’s a sobering question! That Ali came back so spectacularly from this fighting exile to enjoy the most celebrated moments of his career in the 1970s tells us all we need to know about this remarkable man.

What about Ali the campaigner? Societal achievement can be hard to quantify, but the champion arguably did more for African-American rights and equality than any other individual. Long before Barack Obama, Ali was often a minority voice in the wilderness, shining a light on America’s inequalities and providing a vision of pride, integrity, and achievement to which millions of African-Americans could aspire. The champion had his faults, but I think it’s difficult for the modern mind to appreciate just how courageous and prescient Ali’s fearless stance against racism was. Of course one can be churlish and suggest that the sometimes vitriolic nature of Ali’s activism actually fostered division, but this view fundamentally misses the point. In becoming a global hero to millions of people of every class, colour, and creed, Ali promoted an inclusiveness that transcended petty human division. Ali’s mass appeal, in fact, helped eradicate prejudice in a way that legions of elected representatives can only dream of. And his vocal, unapologetic opposition to racism and inequality paved the way for the integrated American society millions take for granted today. This inspiration was felt throughout the world. That is Muhammad Ali’s lasting legacy, as far as I’m concerned. 

In sporting terms,  Ali boasted an aura and charisma that matched his supremely electrifying talent. Many have since imitated, but no-one has come close to generating the box office appeal so effortlessly exuded by the legendary  fighter. Boxers like Chris Eubank and Naseem Hamed attempted to captivate the sporting public with a crude simulation of Ali’s theatrics, but their performances were less than convincing. When it came to charisma, charm, and humour, there was only one Muhammad Ali. If illness hadn’t reduced him so savagely, this man could have done anything. Movie star, lecturer, President, who knows what he might have been if Parkinson’s Disease hadn’t intervened? I think that sense of loss one of the reasons Ali’s illness and death are so galling. We know we’ll never see his like again.

As if all that wasn’t enough, any fair summation of the man must also account for his humanity and character. For all Ali’s unprecedented exploits in the ring, the three-time Heavyweight Champion’s later years proclaimed him as a universal role model who set the bravest of examples. The proud and dignified manner in which the great man handled his illness speaks volumes for Ali’s character: he had integrity, fortitude, and humility in abundance. How ironic that Parkinson’s robbed him of that priceless ability to speak out, to elucidate his thoughts in the articulate way we were used to. In a strange way, though, Ali’s more muted appearances in recent years highlighted  the bravery and humanity of the man in a way that words simply cannot capture. Sometimes there are just no words capable of defining the human spirit. It’s horrible to think that any person should suffer the cruel symptoms inflicted by a degenerative disease like Parkinson’s. Nevertheless, patients of this cruel illness-and others like it-couldn’t have had a better advocate and role model to highlight their suffering. The great man has gone. How sad we’ve finally lost him. He has left us with a tremendous legacy, though. Muhammad Ali was the greatest. In more ways than one.

Twitter: @RoryMcGimpsey

Sexton Blow is Jackson’s opportunity

The Irish Independent  reported this morning (2 June 2016) that the talismanic Johnny Sexton will miss the upcoming three Test tour to South Africa. Although the news has yet to be officially broken, the story is expected to be confirmed at a press conference this afternoon. I heard a whisper regarding this  from a reliable source yesterday, and the story duly broke this morning . Once the news is officially confirmed, attention will turn to the man who will deputise Ireland’s fly-half.

The chief beneficiary of Sexton’s misfortune seems to be Ulster’s Paddy Jackson. Although Ian Madigan has been Joe Schmidt’s nominal replacement fly-half for the majority of the New Zealander’s tenure, the Leinster star’s imminent move to Bordeaux-Begles has apparently seen the utility back move down the Irish pecking order. Allied to that, Jackson has been in fantastic form for his native Ulster throughout the season, and is thoroughly deserving of this belated opportunity. The former Methody pupil is held in the highest regard by his Ulster colleagues, but has struggled to translate provincial form into international recognition. While Jackson’s talent has never been in doubt, some observers have questioned the ability of the Ulsterman to boss a game at the highest level.

However, Jackson’s performances this season have witnessed the fly-half come of age as a  Test standard number ten, and seen him mature into a consummate professional, one that can be trusted in any scenario. Jackson has emerged as a leader and totem this season, much to delight of the Ravenhill faithful. As the Irish Independent has reported, Madigan is expected to be called up as a direct replacement for Sexton, and there is no doubt that the mercurial Dubliner will remain influential if called upon. His Ulster rival has earned this opportunity, though, and there is every chance that Jackson’s patience is going to be rewarded by his national coach.

And the Ulsterman will need to muster every inch of his resilience and self-belief for the monumental challenge that lies ahead. South Africa is an unforgiving environment for any Test player, and the fact the Irish have yet to taste victory on South African soil speaks volumes for the magnitude of the task at hand. Schmidt will be encouraged by Jackson’s form, though, and the manner in which the young fly-half has impressed in a difficult Ulster season. Strength is often found in adversity, however, and a massive opportunity now awaits the likeable and popular Jackson. While it’s sad to lose Sexton, the form and temperament shown by his understudy underscores the belief that the Ulster fly-half is well-equipped to handle one of the biggest challenges in sport. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. It will be fascinating to see if Paddy Jackson can finally deliver the goods when his country needs him most. Irish fans will wish him well. Opportunity indeed beckons for the modest Ulsterman.

Twitter: @RoryMcGimpsey

 

McCartney The Master

As I write this piece, I’ve just finished watching the Paul McCartney interview, filmed as part of BBC Radio 4’s Mastertapes series. The interview  was broadcast on Saturday 28 May 2016 and featured a 45-minute long conversation with the legendary entertainer, focusing primarily on his post-Beatle career. The interview was presumably intended to coincide with the imminent release of McCartney’s compilation album, Pure McCartney (scheduled for 10 June 2016), which chronicles the former Beatle’s extensive solo catalogue, including the massively underrated Wings material that emerged following the break-up of  The Beatles in 1970.

As a massive Beatles fan, I devour anything remotely connected to the group, and was therefore eager to hear the latest musings from the evergreen McCartney. Most encouraging, though, is the fact that Macca is still busy as ever, planning the next phase of a career that’s seen him scale every conceivable height. I know it’s hard to believe, but the Liverpudlian musician turns 74 next month. For Beatles’ fans, the interview is certainly  worth a look, and although it understandably finds Paul in nostalgic mood, there is no indication that McCartney is hanging up his guitar just yet.

I came to the Beatles relatively late, and it’s fair to say I found their music from a position of acute scepticism. Despite the fact that many of my favourite bands cited The Beatles as an influence, my younger self struggled to see the appeal. Back then, I knew a handful of the Beatles’ hits and although they seemed okay, the music didn’t strike me as particularly earth shattering. And the image of mop topped young men performing to hordes of screaming teenage girls didn’t seem especially cool either. Yet, for all that, the Beatles just wouldn’t go away; their music proving enduringly popular across several generations. Why? And why did respected figures like Noel Gallagher insist this band was the greatest thing since sliced bread? I wasn’t sure.

Out of curiosity as much as anything else, I decided to find out what the fuss was about. In 2009, The Beatles released remastered versions of their albums, and this seemed as good a time as any to get better acquainted with their music. I purchased all thirteen original albums, from Please Please Me to Let it Be, and from that moment I was hooked. I immediately got it. It was all there: the beautiful melodies, simple, yet profound lyrics, and a diversity of musical output that I hadn’t heard from any other recording artist. What particularly struck me was how fresh and original the music sounded, 40 years after its original release. This was supremely inventive music, captured in extremely creative albums like the experimental Revolver and the psychedelic Sergeant Pepper. At once, I saw how virtually every band that had emerged since had been influenced (either directly or indirectly) by these sounds.

The biggest revelation, though, was Paul McCartney. Although I was familiar with the genius of John Lennon, I was genuinely shocked and delighted to discover how brilliant Paul McCartney is. I suspect, like many others over the years, I had been fooled by Macca’s amiable and genial image. I probably thought he was a bit naff. What a pleasure, then, to find out the extent of McCartney’s magical, mercurial talent. Of course, it shouldn’t really surprise that the man who wrote Yesterday, Let it Be, and Hey Jude was worthy of celebration, but I was legitimately taken aback by the sheer breadth and quality of his work. I’m fairly sure that perceptions of McCartney have been coloured by the Beatles’ break-up and the rancour that briefly ensued in the following years. When Lennon compared McCartney’s work to Muzak in 1971’s How Do you Sleep?, the idea became embedded in popular consciousness, I think. It now seems quite absurd to suggest that McCartney can’t rock (he wrote Helter Skelter for goodness sake!), but such sniping must be viewed in the context of the time. Break-ups are rarely civil after all!

The Mastertapes interview shows McCartney as the legendary, iconic figure he is, respected and admired in equal measure by generations of his fans. Kindred spirits like Gallagher and Paul Weller remain keen to show their appreciation. For a time, it seemed that McCartney hadn’t got the kudos his talent deserved; but at long last the former Beatle is consistently cherished for what he is, an international treasure. Beatles’ fans have long understood the genius of Paul McCartney, and we can only be thankful that his importance as an artist is celebrated in his lifetime. One hopes Sir Paul performs long into the future, but alas none of us can go on forever. It is heartening, therefore, that perhaps the most successful songwriter of all time continues to enjoy critical acclaim as well as commercial success. Because McCartney is the master. Long may he reign. We are extremely fortunate indeed to experience his enduring genius.

Twitter: @RoryMcGimpsey

 

Too little too late for Van Gaal

If reports are to be believed, it’s over. Louis Van Gaal’s disappointing two-year tenure as Manchester United boss is set to come to an end in the next few days-according to several reports-with the enigmatic Dutchman being replaced by the impressive but divisive Jose Mourinho. If the papers are to be believed, the deal has already been done, with the former Chelsea boss set to take charge at Old Trafford on a three-year deal. Although mere speculation at this stage, the smart money is on Mourinho being installed as United manager in  the near future.

It’s fair to say that such reports have received a mixed reception from United fans. While no-one can dispute his record-Mourinho has proved consistently prolific at accumulating trophies-the man who started his coaching career under Bobby Robson at Barcelona is a controversial and outspoken figure who provokes confrontation wherever he goes. There is also understandable concern that Mourinho’s style doesn’t chime with the fluent, attacking football which the Old Trafford faithful were accustomed under Alex Ferguson. Mourinho’s football philosophy is best described as pragmatic, practical rather than excessively entertaining. Many fans will counter that it’s hard to serve up anything worse than some of the dire performances that have emanated from the Theatre of Nightmares this season.

There’s also a school of thought (rapidly diminishing it has to be said) that Van Gaal should be given more time to impose his ideas. However, with performances uninspiring at best and Van Gaal having spent a veritable fortune, it becomes difficult to sustain the argument. Despite Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace, it’s hard to view Van Gaal’s Old Trafford reign as anything other than a failure. While the FA Cup win was a timely boost for United’s increasingly deflated players, it doesn’t mask a deeply unsatisfactory few years for the club. Ever since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, the club has been mired in an unfamiliar state of mediocrity. David Moyes was unceremoniously removed after a disappointing ten-month stint, to be replaced by the seemingly dependable Van Gaal, but frankly United’s fortunes haven’t improved in the intervening period. All of which would be pardonable if the Dutchman hadn’t spent a fortune on a team that’s struggled to keep pace with England’s elite. He has, though, and that’s where the case for Van Gaal falls down irretrievably.

Although Saturday’s FA Cup win will be welcomed by United supporters, it’s too little too late for the beleaguered Dutchman. In a relatively mediocre season where Leicester won the Premier league and Tottenham finally mustered a serious challenge, all Van Gaal could deliver was fifth place and an FA Cup win for United. I didn’t see Saturday’s game, but I understand that it was a pretty drab affair. To be honest, I’ve rather lost interest in the FA Cup as a tournament. It’s just not the same competition now compared to my youth.

The FA Cup used to really mean something to fans. Outside of the league and European Cup, it  was THE competition to win. I don’t think that’s the case anymore. The global ubiquity of the Premier League and economic importance of the Champions League has relegated the once great FA Cup to a subsidiary competition. Sad, but a sign of the times I’m afraid. History and tradition will always be important in sport, but the FA Cup has lost much of its former lustre. I can’t help but feel that the delirious manner in which United’s players celebrated Saturday’s win says more about the underachievement of recent years than the status of the competition.

The writing is on the wall for Van Gaal. It has been for some time. Whether Mourinho (or whoever succeeds him) can do any better remains to be seen. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, the ghost of Alex Ferguson still haunts Old Trafford, providing his successors with an extremely difficult CV to emulate. When the bar is set so high by your predecessor, you have to fight to be judged on your own merits. It’s incredibly hard to assert your identity. Moyes and Van Gaal have suffered from the weight of this expectation as much as anything else. Is Mourinho the answer? The jury is still out. Although the Portuguese normally delivers, he tends to provoke along the way and his managerial spells, although trophy laden, are often tense and confrontational affairs. Sometimes, however, change is needed to renew an organisation. The long held suspicion among many fans was that while Mourinho had an impeccable record, he wasn’t the right fit for United. He probably still  isn’t the right fit. But he’s not Van Gaal and that’s all that matters right now.

Twitter: @RoryMcGimpsey

 

Beware Brexit!

You only have to take a cursory look at any news outlet to appreciate that something quite fundamental is happening in the next few weeks. On 23 June 2016, Britain will vote via referendum on whether the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union. Ever since the UK entered the political union (or its predecessor the European Economic Community to be precise) in 1973, its citizens have had a rather distant relationship with the supra-national body. Unlike other European states like Germany, France, and the Republic of Ireland (who entered the union in the same year as the UK) to name just a few, it’s fair to say the United Kingdom has never been an enthusiastic advocate of the European project.

Throughout the complicated history of the European institutions, the UK has often seemed like a semi-detached observer, its politicians instinctively resisting the red tape, bureaucracy, and integration associated with EU membership. Indeed, successive British governments have effectively sought to renegotiate the union’s treaties and deals, often with mixed success. While British administrations of all persuasions have been locked in a seemingly perpetual cycle of renegotiation, it is not the minutiae of political rules that has led to next month’s crucial referendum.

Rather than the aforementioned red tape and bureaucratic intrusion that is often cited by  polemical commentators, the problem that many Britons have with continued EU membership has nothing to do with bureaucracy, but everything to do with perceived political integration. What clearly irks some of the loudest voices endorsing the “Leave” campaign is the notion that this alleged integration will become ever more pronounced, and all traces of national sovereignty will be permanently ceded to Brussels. Campaigners for Brexit fear a de facto United States of Europe above all else, it seems.

One of the more interesting aspects of the debate surrounding Britain’s European future is the overwhelming focus on emotion. With such a seminal vote imminent, one would have expected political leaders to focus on the details. After all, how else can voters make a genuinely informed decision? Instead, what many campaigners offer  (on both sides of the debate it has to be said) is emotive and immature rhetoric. Perhaps that is why the “Leave” campaign has attracted some very eccentric and vocal proponents to its cause.

Arguably, the propensity for populist and sentimental rhetoric is one of the reasons many observers are predicting the retention of the status quo in June’s referendum. For seismic constitutional change to take place, logic states that the middle ground must be persuaded. It’s difficult to make the case for substantive change when febrile emotion has hijacked the argument. It is easy to scoff at some of Boris Johnson’s more bizarre pronouncements, but it is clear that the former Mayor of London is much more intelligent and capable than the crude caricature often presented of him. Despite his unconventional demeanour, Johnson is undeniably a shrewd and ambitious operator. None of which makes him right on the Brexit question, of course. We’ll soon find out if Boris and his fellow Brexit supporters have persuaded enough British voters to leap into the unknown.

It’s interesting to observe the different dynamics operating on both sides of the Irish Sea. Unlike the UK, Irish people (of all political persuasions and none) tend to be more enthusiastic and vocal in their support of the EU. With some exceptions, Irish people generally give a wholehearted seal of approval to the European project. And how could it be any other way? Modern Ireland is testament to the triumph of the EU. Irish infrastructure, from roads and railways to everything else in between, has been transformed by EU finance.

It’s not just economic factors that underpin Irish support for the EU, though. A majority of Irish people have bought into the EU on all levels, viewing it as an institution that enriches their nationality rather than compromising it. One of the positive aspects of  Ireland’s progressive outlook is that it doesn’t allow borders to stifle the benefits of EU membership. Northern Ireland has benefited enormously from EU participation and peace funds are only a small  part of a substantial European investment. It’s easy to understand, therefore, why normally conservative Northern Irish leaders are reticent to back the  Brexit campaign. Perhaps this shouldn’t come as a shock. Contrary to popular perception, residents of Northern Ireland instinctively understand complexity of identity, that someone can be British as well as Irish, European rather than insular. One of the consequences of our tragic history is an appreciation of this cultural and national nuance.

The very idea of Brexit threatens the layered and complex Irish political architecture that’s taken years to construct. The implications of a British withdrawal from the EU extend far beyond middle England, therefore. Ultimately, the British people will re-define their own relationship with Europe on June 23, but a huge amount is at stake. It is not an exaggeration to state that millions anxiously await the outcome of the Brexit referendum. Irish citizens (north and south) are included in that number.

Twitter: @RoryMcGimpsey

All Hail The Underdog!

The underdog (once an endangered species in sport) is making a welcome and sensational comeback. Witness Leicester’s City’s remarkable triumph as Premier League winners as cast-iron proof that supposedly impossible dreams sometimes come true. All season long, we all wondered when Claudio Ranieri’s trailblazing side would come off the rails, but to the Italian’s eternal credit he managed to get unfashionable, ordinary Leicester over the finishing line. Leicester’s title win is an incredible feat, a victory borne from tenacious endurance and an indefatigable spirit. In an era of grim hyperbole, Ranieri’s achievement is the real deal, a truly remarkable feat that will be cherished for decades to come.

The Foxes’ victory would be worthy  of celebration in any era, but coming as it does in the context of billionaire sugar daddies and astronomical TV deals, Leicester’s title is nothing short of miraculous. It must also be immensely satisfying for the genial Ranieri on a personal level. The former Chelsea boss was once vilified and castigated as a well-meaning eccentric, a talented manager whose undoubted potential was curtailed by erratic team selections. How times have changed! Such unfair characterisation has been permanently cast aside, as Ranieri’s charges romped home with composed, ruthless determination. What makes Leicester’s achievement  so incredible is that it has been crafted with comparatively meagre resources. The champions of 2016 simply haven’t got the financial or political clout to justify a title challenge in the modern game, let alone a win. To  outflank their more illustrious rivals in such emphatic fashion ranks as one of the greatest sporting  achievements in recent times. From Tinker man to managerial genius. It has been quite a journey.

It hasn’t generated as many column inches, but another fantastic and wondrous underdog story is happening on this side of the Irish Sea. Pat Lam’s Connacht haven’t won anything tangible (not yet anyway) but their Pro12 achievement stands alongside that of Leicester’s footballers in terms of historical significance. The western province has led the way throughout the regular Pro12 standings, playing a style of rugby that is enterprising and innovative. Creativity practically oozes from the Galway men these days, and a regularly jam packed Sportsground is testament to their attractiveness for supporters. What makes Connacht’s feat genuinely remarkable as it it has come out of what can only be described as sporting oblivion. Traditionally labelled the “Cinderella province”,  it is easy to forget that just over a decade  ago, Connacht were threatened with professional extinction. The IRFU considered disbanding Ireland’s fourth professional franchise, only to have a last minute change of heart, partly inspired by a popular outcry against the decision. Connacht’s revival, therefore, must be viewed in this context of uncertainty. One hopes the men in green finish the job, but regardless of their final league position, Lam has done phenomenal work at the Sportsground.

There is something about unexpected success that sparks the soul of sports fans. Such victories are as elusive as they are laudable, but I don’t believe that is the reason we eulogise underdog wins to such an extent. Winning against the odds (in any walk of life) inspires the romantic and idealistic within all of us. But such wins also scream possibility and hope. We all constrain ourselves with self-imposed limitations, but truly great things can be accomplished if sufficient belief is marshalled. For if Leicester and Connacht can do it, anyone can. All hail the underdog. Events as rare as hens’ teeth deserve to be celebrated for the miracles they are. Jamie Vardy has every right to have a party.

Twitter: @RoryMcGimpsey

 

Silver Lining for Foley

Munster have successfully secured Champions’ Cup qualification thanks to a resounding victory over the Scarlets (Saturday 7 May 2016). The Limerick men have endured a season as traumatic as any in living memory, but at last there is a glimmer of hope and optimism for the two-time European Champions. This weekend’s victory guarantees European rugby for the Thomond Park side next season, thereby providing some respite for their somewhat beleaguered head coach. Make no mistake about it. This victory was  essential. It was inconceivable that Munster would miss out on Europe, but Foley’s outfit has scraped in by the skin of its teeth thanks to a 31-15 victory over the Welsh region.

It has been a tough old grind for Foley of late following his de facto demotion arising from the appointment of Johan “Rassie” Erasmus as Director of Rugby for next season and beyond. While Erasmus’s appointment has been welcomed as the superb piece of business it undoubtedly is, the announcement has also raised questions about Foley’s role within the management team. As has been widely reported, Erasmus will assume the selection and recruitment reins from next season, and his introduction to the Munster set-up unquestionably alters the dynamic in relation to Foley’s interaction with his playing squad. Up to this point in his tenure, Foley has been very much the main man but the incoming Director of Rugby will inevitably have ideas of his own.

The former Munster skipper confirmed, prior to Erasmus’s appointment, that he will remain within the management team for another season at the very least. However, Foley’s role  has become harder to define following the appointment of the esteemed former Springbok back rower. One can only assume that precise job descriptions and rules of engagement will be ironed out over the next few weeks once Foley eventually meets his new boss.

The Shannon icon is massively respected in Irish rugby  circles. It has been a difficult and challenging season for the Munster coach, and one hopes that his future remit is defined to his satisfaction in the weeks ahead. Foley has served province and country with distinction and pride. He deserves to know where he stands, therefore. For now, Munster can breathe a collective sigh of relief now that European qualification has been secured and Champions Cup rugby guaranteed. No club has illuminated rugby’s premier club competition quite like the Thomond Park side and the competition would have been markedly poorer for their absence.

On a related note, Leinster, Connacht, and Ulster have all reached the Pro12  play-offs. Much has been made of a supposedly poor season for the provinces, and there is no doubt that this campaign has been far from vintage from an Irish perspective. While it remains to be seen if an Irish club can successfully land the Pro12 trophy, the league standings at the end of a demanding season prove that there’s no reason for fans to be unduly despondent. The demise of Irish rugby has been greatly exaggerated, and hope abounds that the future is bright. Relief and redemption for the Irish clubs at the climax of the Pro12, then. One suspects that Anthony Foley will feel that relief more than most.

Twitter: @RoryMcGimpsey

First blog post

This is the start of a new journey. For the past few years, I have been writing material for a variety of websites. As anyone familiar with my work knows, I write primarily about sport, particularly rugby, and have been lucky enough to have been published by some fantastic websites. Although I plan to continue this work, I’ve been thinking a lot recently about branching out into something a bit different. Writing for others, although extremely rewarding, is by its nature a restrictive process. As I’m sure a lot of writers can identify with, it can be difficult to convey your own thoughts while working within the parameters of publication. As well as the essential restrictions in respect of word count etc., you are also hampered by the need to please editors and sub-editors in relation to the copy you’ve submitted. While this is certainly a worthwhile skill to master, it can often result in a published article that has been changed substantially from the piece you’ve actually written. Although the basic point of the piece usually remains intact, something as subtle as a word being changed here or there can  radically alter the tone or essence of the article you’ve written. Even something as simple as the headline/title being amended can change the whole perception of an article from the perspective of the reader. Of course editors are well within their rights to change copy in any way they feel appropriate, but it can be a restrictive process for the writer.

What I like about blogging is that it grants me the freedom to write on topics that interest me without the need to redact and edit the material at the insistence of an editor. Of course, there is nothing stopping me from writing for other publications (as I will continue to do, time permitting), but this blog allows me to write sincerely in my own words, without the need to worry about the restrictions of space or tailoring my copy to the meet the requirements of a certain readership. Although I may be writing for a much smaller audience (if indeed there are those kind enough to follow my musings!), the words presented will be mine and mine alone. For a long time, I resisted the idea of a blog because I felt it somehow meant more to be published by other outlets (and it is undoubtedly a privilege), but I find myself increasingly attracted by the freedom and opportunity a blog permits. It also enables me to branch out into other areas that I’ve long wanted to write about such as music, film, history etc. And I see this blog as complementing rather than replacing my existing work. A new journey begins, then. Whatever else it is, I hope it won’t be boring!