On Saturday, in Edinburgh, Ireland’s most successful province goes up against their less-feted neighbours with a league title up for grabs.
Jamie Heaslip and John Muldoon. Both No.8s, both capped for Ireland, both loyal and competitive as hell.
That’s where the similarities end.
Heaslip was born in Israel, where his father Brigadier General Richard Heaslip was working with the United Nations. His family eventually moved back to Ireland and settled in Kildare.
Heaslip excelled at Schools Rugby and represented Ireland through the age grades, all the way up to being captain of the national side.
He's rescued his season, and Leinster's https://t.co/BIuMpLtBDq
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 22, 2016
Muldoon is from a small town just outside of Portumna, Galway. He played a bit of schools rugby but his first passion was for hurling.
He won an All-Ireland Minor with the Galway team before chance [short numbers] led to his Galwegians debut and, soon after, a run out with Connacht. He has three caps for Ireland but appears to have played his final Test.
No-one has lived, loved, enjoyed and endured the @connachtrugby journey as much as @JohnMuldoon8 https://t.co/2sQkJaNuFq
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 23, 2016
This weekend, Muldoon and Heaslip will lead out their sides at Murrayfield.
Leinster are seeking their fifth league title – to add to three Heineken Cups – in the past 16 years. This is Connacht’s first final in their 132 year history.
In the aftermath of their triumphant semi-finals, Heaslip and Muldoon spoke about their pre-match inspiration.
JAMIE HEASLIP
“Have you ever seen that movie Warrior? And they say ‘Move or Die’. I was watching that this morning and that hit home.”
“It’s semi-final rugby. Gotta keep passing; keep that tempo up. You will not beat a side like Ulster if you do not bring tempo to the game. They are that good.”
JOHN MULDOON
“Our win was poignant, especially at a time where [former Galway hurler and GAA president] Joe McDonagh has passed away.
“I was watching YouTube clips this morning of Joe Connolly and Joe McDonagh singing and his speech.”
“You’re in an area where people follow all sports. It’s not just rugby fans that are out there, People are soccer, hurling and football fans. we’re all pulling out of a small pool.
“It’s obviously sad for Joe and his family – 63 years of age – but it was a poignant day that ‘The West’s Awake’ gets thrown out at a rugby stadium.
“I met Joe a few times and, secretly you know, I think he was a rugby fan. He might not have said that a few times but he enjoyed the odd match… I remember seeing him playing for Ballinasloe a good while back. He kicked off the right and then off the left.”
***
Two men. Two warriors.
On Saturday, one goal: Victory.
