He’s world-class and he’s from Carlow.
For years that sentence was reserved for Richie Kavanagh.
That was until a force of nature emerged from Tullow Community School, headed to Dublin 4 and started to knock heads.
The epitome of success for the club rugby system, O’Brien is also as Irish as complaining about The Late Late Show on Twitter or laments about any and all types of weather.
Here are 18 definitive signs that Sean O’Brien is the most Irish of Irish sportspeople.
1. He doesn’t take praise too well
After being praised for his excellent outing against the All Blacks, in Dublin, O’Brien exhaled and looked none too impressed. He replied:
“I think I’m a little bit off still. I think I’ve a lot of improvement in myself in different areas.
“That’s why I’m looking forward to this week, to build again on last week and see where we go from here.”
That’s the sprit Sean.
2. Massey, yer only man
You said it, sure.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKyP6wDAO4c/?taken-by=seanobrien678
2. He never forgets his roots
#tbt Leinster champions and all Ireland finalists 2003, we had some craic that year! #tullowcommunityschool #gaa pic.twitter.com/HNO7lXaXdI
— Sean O'Brien (@SeanOBrien1987) January 7, 2016
4. He’s mad for ripping the piss
5. He doesn’t take kindly to accusations of puking in bins
@SeanOBrien1987 @SeanCronin2 you right actually haha sorry lad, no harm in people thinking it was you anyways 🙈
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) October 20, 2015
Sean O'Brien has spoken out about the story of getting sick in a bin as told by Paddy Barnes https://t.co/Rw9n1eusQe pic.twitter.com/LC6SWXzsEq
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 20, 2015
6. Off-season! What off-season?
We take our Junior B seriously in Carlow #YouTakeHimIllTakeTheSmallLad pic.twitter.com/bh8gWPLyQv
— Fighting Cocks GFC (@FightingCocksIE) June 2, 2014
Imagine peeking out of the dressing room to see that you were marking this guy in your Junior B match?
7. He bloody LOVES The Ploughing Championship
On a rest day during last year’s Rugby World Cup, O’Brien and Rory Best paid a visit to a ‘grass management farm’.
Yes, a grass management farm. They literally spent their day off watching grass grow.
“We’re just going to have a look around it,” he beamed.
You don’t get that with Manu Tuilagi.
8. His Twitter cover photo is a joy to behold
9. He has put his body on the line for his country, and paid the price
From Stephen Ferris’ Man and Ball:
10. He likes horsing people out of it
11. Pre-season training away from GPS trackers and computer print-outs
Pre preseason is underway! pic.twitter.com/W485kqIUQ1
— Sean O'Brien (@SeanOBrien1987) June 26, 2014
12. Honesty is Sean’s only policy
On the toll injuries will eventually take on his body:
13. Wheelbarrow surfing. He’s a fan
Ye can take the Tank out of Tullow but ya can’t take the Tullow out of the Tank #behindthesceneshttps://t.co/fNjlMoU2e8
— Lucozade Sport (@LucozadeSportIE) July 23, 2015
14. He’s not the greatest fan of soccer
“I absolutely hate soccer,” he declared during the 2011 World Cup.
“I never really have liked soccer, to be honest. I played a bit when I was younger but I wouldn’t be a big fan of watching it now. I think they get paid way too much money for what they do, and they’re jumping and rolling around half the time.”
15. Seanie’s no averse to sharing post-match beers with the Irish fans
16. He’s never too far from a pair of wellies
Getting ready for @MumfordAndSons looks like I might need these! pic.twitter.com/Lo8uchzDpC
— Sean O'Brien (@SeanOBrien1987) December 3, 2015
17. Even the greatest Irish player of all time is in awe
From Brian O’Driscoll’s The Test:
18. Did we mention that he has never forgotten his roots?
Great to present @TullowRFC minis with their end of year medals! Very successful year #youths #Leinster #future pic.twitter.com/OC6zaiDFn4
— Sean O'Brien (@SeanOBrien1987) May 7, 2013
He’s Irish and he’s proud…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGPuS8EHp4x/?taken-by=seanobrien678
