Garry Ringrose has come into contact with some sporting greats since making his breakthrough as a rugby player with Leinster and Ireland.
The talented centre has faced off against the likes of Kieran Read, David Pocock and Ruan Pienaar but, asked for the most impressive person he has encountered in the past few years, he names a Dublin GAA star.
“Someone who I was fortunate enough to meet, recently – before the All-Ireland semi final – was Cian O’Sullivan.
“It was interesting to listen to him speak. I think he has five All-Irelands now, which is pretty exceptional. It was interesting to hear about his story and about his attitude to training; pretty cool. I was trying to pick up on a couple of things as he’s so successful.
“I wouldn’t mind picking up one or two of the traits that he has.”
Former Ireland international Keith Andrews recently spoke about requesting permission to attend a Dublin training session to see how Jim Gavin, his coaching staff and his players prepared for big games. He walked away astounded at the detail and dedication of all involved.
To hear Ringrose, another player well ensconced in the professional sporting world, speak in such awe of the Dublin footballs, who are ostensibly amateurs, is quite something.
Ringrose, who was speaking to us at the Maxol IURU Rugby Festival, commented:
“Recently, considering what they have achieved this year – with the three-in-a-row – it’s pretty hard to miss. I never got a chance to play GAA, growing up, as I was involved in a few other sports but I’ve always had a keen interest in it.”
Ringrose has been ruled out of Ireland’s November internationals as he returns from shoulder surgery, so he will have to watch from the stands as the likes of Chris Farrell and Bundee Aki try to stake a claim for a midfield spot in Joe Schmidt’s team
“Whether you’re playing or not, you can never get comfortable,” he said. “I’m well aware that with the opportunities I got, there were a lot of luck involved. I’m just looking to get back but not looking much further than that first game for Leinster. I’d love to put my hand up for selection.
“The lads are doing well so it’d be pretty hard to get myself back in that team.”
Something tells us that, once fully fit, Ringrose won’t have to wait too long to get into that Leinster XV.
