Darren Clarke has called on a legend of Irish sport to galvanise Europe’s Ryder Cup team.
Paul O’Connell arrived in Minnesota on Monday night, and will speak to the team today, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The former Munster lock captained both Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, and made 108 appearances for his country before retiring from international duty in 2015.
Clarke reportedly considered Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, to deliver a speech to the European team, who defend their Ryder Cup crown at Hazeltine this weekend, but opted for O’Connell due to his renowned leadership qualities.
Alex Ferguson delivered a speech two years ago at Gleneagles in Scotland and the golfers spoke about the positive effect it had on their week.
“He told us a couple stories just of past experiences in some big games and big matches, and some of the players that he managed, and it was a great evening,” Rory McIlroy said in 2014.
“It was a really cool thing to be a part of. I was just sitting there and looking up at him, and I didn’t take my eyes off him. I was sort of in this trance just listening to everything that he was saying and I’m sort of thinking, this is all the stuff that he’s probably said to Manchester United teams over the years.”
We reckon O’Connell might have a similar effect.
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