Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

AP/Press Association Images

'Paul O’Connell’s biggest attribute was his ability to inspire'

The Limerick native’s legacy will live on for generations to come as he will forever be remembered as a shining example of great leadership, writes James Galvin.

TODAY’S NEWS THAT Paul O’Connell has retired with immediate effect was undoubtedly a sad moment for Irish Sport.

The defining characteristics of good leadership have long been subject to much debate, particularly in the context of sport.

Some would argue that the single most important facet of a leader is the ability to lead by example solely through your performances, while others would argue that a great leader is vociferous and inspirational in equal measure.

A great leader 

Other attributes that have been mentioned include the ability to be decisive when the pressure is on, having empathy towards opponents and teammates, showing confidence, honesty, friendliness, intelligence, talent, etc. The list goes on.

Rugby Union - Paul O'Connell File Photo PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

However, what made Paul O’Connell different from your average leader was that he encompassed all of the above. From the moment he first pulled on the red of Munster or the green of Ireland, he brought something different. Indeed, it was no coincidence that Munster and Ireland’s rise to prominence in European and World rugby over the past 15 years coincided with O’Connell’s career.

Accountability is often mentioned when debating what makes a strong leader. In his captaincy roles with Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, O’Connell was never one to shy away from his obligations to the media and was often the one to break boundaries between players from different countries and backgrounds.

Respect and admiration

Indeed, we have seen the respect and admiration in which he is held in today by the sheer volume of tweets and posts from fans, former teammates and opponents.

Paul O'Connell File Photo Niall Carson Niall Carson

His determination was unrivalled in rugby. Even at the age of 36, having suffered a hamstring tear off the bone, he still firmly believed he would be able to make a full recovery and play a key role in a star-studded Toulon side.

Don’t get me wrong – O’Connell had bags of talent too. He was a superb ball carrier, a ferocious tackler, a genius at calling plays and an out-and-out workhorse. Quite often great leaders lack the ability to keep their place in a team long-term.

Not O’Connell. Even at 36 he was still the first name on the team sheet every week.

But arguably O’Connell’s biggest attribute was his ability to inspire. We have all seen his famous ‘Fear of God’ speech prior to the first rugby Test at Croke Park – a perfect example of his ability to motivate and inspire his teammates.

Rugby Union - World Cup Warm Up Match - England v Ireland - Twickenham Stadium PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

But the old cliché that claims you should never meet your heroes for fear of disappointment didn’t apply to O’Connell. He always had time for supporters and would regularly be the last player into the dressing room after training as he waited back to sign autographs and take pictures. He was the perfect example to kids.

A true gentleman 

His gentlemanly and good-humoured character off the field is a further testament to his leadership qualities. O’Connell was always humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

Rugby Union - Heineken Cup - Pool Six - Gloucester Rugby v Munster Rugby - Kingsholm Stadium Munster's Paul O'Connell is tackled by Gloucester's Sione Kalamafoni during the Heineken Cup in 2013. David Davies David Davies

It seems strange to be wishing him goodbye so soon after the tributes came pouring in for him after his international career ended at the Rugby World Cup. In some sense, the Irish public had already said their goodbyes to Paulie.

However, I think that a lot of us took some consolation in the thought that we could still eagerly follow his career from a distance once he began his new adventure with Toulon.

Alas, it was not to be, and although it is a pity we will never see him playing rugby again, we will be forever grateful for the countless memories and the shining example of outstanding leadership he left for our children.

Thanks Paulie.

James Galvin is the CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport – The Voice of Irish Sport. Follow the Federation on FacebookTwitter and LinkedIn.

Read: Regency Hotel shooting was choreographed to send a clear and explicit message>

Read: My life with shingles: ‘It was like I had gone a few rounds with Conor McGregor’>

 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 24 comments
Close
24 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jason Healy
    Favourite Jason Healy
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 5:32 PM

    Legends don’t come along too often, thanks paulie for the memories

    153
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Doyle
    Favourite Paul Doyle
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 5:56 PM

    The word “Legend” is lashed around all to easy these days… But is his case, by God it’s an understatement !!!

    123
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jason Healy
    Favourite Jason Healy
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 6:02 PM

    Sure is Paul

    46
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Barry
    Favourite Sean Barry
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 7:33 PM

    whoever red thumbed this is an absolute dick head

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Gill
    Favourite Declan Gill
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 7:09 PM

    Every one in favour of renaming O Connell Street in Limerick Paul O Connell Street please green thumb and we can start the petition

    107
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute I LOVE MY COUNTY
    Favourite I LOVE MY COUNTY
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 10:59 PM

    Do you know who O’ Connell it’s currently named after?
    Paul O’ Connell is a sporting legend, a hero of mine… but he’s no Daniel O’ Connell.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Noel O Mahony
    Favourite Noel O Mahony
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 5:34 PM

    He was a leader and he was all heart..pure irish to the bone.

    97
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mr A
    Favourite Mr A
    Report
    Feb 10th 2016, 10:28 AM

    legend

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Clyde Bear
    Favourite Clyde Bear
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 5:49 PM

    What a player and what a throughly decent person too. I’m sad for him today, but I’m also thankful that in my lifetime I got to see him and Brian O’Driscoll both play. Ireland will still be talking about them in 50 years time.

    94
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sarcasmo
    Favourite Sarcasmo
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 5:33 PM

    Legend.

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bob Doran
    Favourite Bob Doran
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 6:11 PM

    it’s a nice tribute to have the main street in Limerick city called after O’Connell…

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute niall
    Favourite niall
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 6:06 PM

    Thanks Paulie!!! Enjoy your retirement, well earned.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kieron Duffin
    Favourite Kieron Duffin
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 5:44 PM

    Hero of a man.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Guybrush Threepwood
    Favourite Guybrush Threepwood
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 6:50 PM

    I disagree. His biggest attribute was his ability. He was one of the best 2nd-row forwards in the world even when you take out the inspiration he brought.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul MacNulty
    Favourite Paul MacNulty
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 6:28 PM

    Such a pity that there is nobody on the Irish political scene today that has any of his qualities, leadership, inspiration, drive, humour and honesty. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours. Thanks Paulie for all of the tremendous memories.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Condon
    Favourite Pat Condon
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 6:26 PM

    Thank you Paulie for all the wonderful memories, you will never be forgotten.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rebecca De Stanleigh
    Favourite Rebecca De Stanleigh
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 6:45 PM

    Thanks Paulie

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute katie buttimer
    Favourite katie buttimer
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 6:42 PM

    Enjoyed the read James on the great man POC

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Pepper
    Favourite Ken Pepper
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 5:46 PM

    Ok, we know he’s retired now

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David O'Connell
    Favourite David O'Connell
    Report
    Feb 10th 2016, 2:10 AM

    One of the few who deserve the plaudits.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Fahey
    Favourite Paul Fahey
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 5:54 PM

    We will see him alongside Foley in the near future at Ulster?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Fahey
    Favourite Paul Fahey
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 5:54 PM

    Munster, sorry, not sure where the Ulster bit came from.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Pepper
    Favourite Ken Pepper
    Report
    Feb 9th 2016, 9:13 PM

    Thanks Pauline

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sabrina (^_^)
    Favourite Sabrina (^_^)
    Report
    Feb 11th 2016, 7:01 AM

    I have too many Questions that I need help with and I’m not on Facebook just on twitter tweeting away doing my #ge16 but no one evens answers me. I know im young I just got loads of Q&A

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds