AFTER 17 YEARS in the red of Munster and 263 appearances, it was announced this morning that Donncha O’Callaghan would be departing the province, bound for the Aviva Premiership and Worcester Warriors.
The Corkman will go down as one of the province’s greatest ever players, having been a constant in the side through their rise since the turn of the century.
His passion on the pitch and sense of humour off it made him a favourite of the Munster and Ireland fans, and as his career in the red jersey comes to a close, we’ve decided to take a look back at some of the reasons the big second row endeared himself to the Munster faithful.
Putting Chabal into his place
Donncha O’Callaghan and Paul O’Connell. For the best part of a decade, it was hard to imagine one without the other.
Their partnership was virtually unbreakable for both province and country during the 2000s, and when they stepped out onto the pitch together you could see why.
One of their most memorable moments together was the famous hit on Sebastien Chabal at Thomond Park in 2006. O’Connell made the initial hit off O’Gara’s kickoff, with O’Callaghan following up to drive “Sea Bass” back, what may consider to be the turning point of the game.
Passing the record in his home town
Munster don’t play as often as they used to in Cork, but it felt appropriate that – being the proud Corkman that he is – O’Callaghan should pass Munster’s all-time appearance record in rebel territory.
Munster’s win against Zebre in 2014 marked his 241st appearance by coming on as a sub to a great reception, although it was sad in the circumstances to see Dave O’Callaghan stretchered off.
O’Callagahn went on to extend the record, finishing his Munster career with 263 games for the province.
Source: PRO12 Rugby/YouTube
Being a real team player
O’Callaghan wasn’t much of a try scorer, but he was always ready for the donkey work.
When Denis Leamy crashed over for Munster’s only try of the 2008 Heineken Cup final, it was O’Callaghan who gave him the vital support from behind.