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Rugby

25th May 2017

Andy Farrell speaking of Manchester could not have been easy but he did it so poignantly

Conan Doherty

So many people were affected by the awful news of Manchester on Monday night.

Anyone with a kid would’ve empathised. Anyone with a heart would’ve.

Anyone who’s been to Manchester would’ve been shocked and appalled and deeply saddened by what unfolded and then those in sport found that they still had to get on with their job as if it was really important.

It is but it isn’t.

So, when Lions coach Andy Farrell was asked about the events, it was literally close to home for him. Just like it was for a lot of people.

“I’m from the area, you know. 20 miles up the road. Devastation,” Farrell said at a press conference in Carton House.

“I’ve been to a concert place with my kids manys a time and you never expect anything like that.”

It was short enough from the coach but it was perfect too. It was pretty heartbreaking but it his strength was uplifting.

It was admirable.

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10