Everyone loved Peter O’Mahony’s reaction after the trophy presentation

Patrick McCarry

Peter O’Mahony was in the wars during Ireland’s victorious Test Series clincher in Sydney.

O’Mahony was in the midst of another all-action performance when he had to leave the field on a medical cart.

An aerial collision with Israel Folau saw him land badly for the third time in 28 minutes and medics smartly decided enough was enough.

O’Mahony returned to the Ireland bench before the first half was out and screamed his team on in the closing stages of a thriller at Allianz Stadium.

Jordi Murphy, who replaced him, was part of a brilliant rear-guard action in the final quarter as Ireland withstood some late Wallabies attacks to win 20-16. Johnny Sexton took over the on-field captaincy duties and it was him that was beside referee Pascal Gauzere when the TMO informed him Ireland had won the day, and series.

Zipped up in a promo jacket, O’Mahony accompanied Sexton to the makeshift presentation area to receive the Lansdowne Cup. Sexton stepped back to let the Munster man lift the trophy.

O’Mahony took the cut-glass crystal trophy and set off to join his teammates, leaving local broadcasters FOX Sports hanging for an interview on live TV.

His teammtes had to give him a nudge to go back and do his captaincy duties and there was much slagging as he wandered over again.

O'Mahony ambling off and leaving them hanging on live Aussie TV… pic.twitter.com/N8oFjiefTp

— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) June 23, 2018

The speech, when O’Mahony finally gave it was typical of the man – very short of fuss but striking the right chords. He said:

“It was a tough game today, as games against Australia always are. Very proud of the lads.

“It’s been a long time since we won over here. To win back-to-back is incredibly difficult and credit to Australia – three incredible tests – but very proud of the lads.”