40 years ago today, in San Diego, Ronan O’Gara arrived into the world kicking and screaming.
He has rarely let up since.
O’Gara played 240 times for Munster, 128 times for Ireland, made two Test appearances with the Lions and scored over 3,700 points in his playing career. He is now defence coach at Top 14 champions Racing 92.
Happy birthday to the legend that is @RonanOGara10
#40 pic.twitter.com/EEtiaPlUtM— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 7, 2017
O’Gara is expected to lace up his old rugby boots and turn out for Ireland Legends against England Legends in an exhibition game, on March 17 at the RDS, that will mark the life and career of Munster and Ireland legend Anthony Foley.
There will be rolling subs in the game but Jerry Flannery, who is also playing, suspects O’Gara will wave off each and every attempt to get him off the pitch once the game starts.
It is a dogged O’Gara attitude that Brian O’Driscoll knows all too well. Having played against the Cork native for 15 seasons and alongside for 13, O’Driscoll knows O’Gara better than most.
It was no surprise, then, to see O’Driscoll get the years exactly right when he was sending a birthday greeting to O’Gara this morning.
Happy FORTIETH (yes 40th) Birthday to this beaut! A great friend, still drinking from the fountain of youth. @RonanOGara10 pic.twitter.com/yGjwG6uJEd
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) March 7, 2017
First to 40. Couldn’t happen to a better man.
The Leinster v Munster rivalry lives on…
