It may not have been a dream result for Peter O’Mahony in his first time to captain the Lions.
O’Mahony, who lead out Warren Gatland’s side against New Zealand, can still be so proud of his achievements, however.
The Corkonian put in a typically workmanlike performance in Eden Park on Saturday, making thirteen tackles in his 53 minutes on the pitch.
While he may not have made the impact that he would’ve been hoping for with ball in hand, his typical ferocity in the rucks was present from the word go.
O’Mahony was deservedly named as the Lions captain in the build-up to the game and he brought pride to a nation.
The story about how the Cork man came from nowhere to even make the squad is legend at this stage.
There was no-one prouder of O’Mahony’s achievements than his girlfriend, Jessica Moloney, however.
Moloney took to Instagram to reveal that the 27-year-old had told her it was his dream to lead the British and Irish Lions eight years ago.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVnPELEhBON/?taken-by=jeskamoloney&hl=en
She was certainly proud of him.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUnCf3fhFLo/?taken-by=jeskamoloney&hl=en
Indeed, a quote surfaced earlier in the year from his old academy coach that showed just how much the Lions dream meant to him. He Recalled advice he received when he was a youngster in Munster.
According to O’Mahony, the coach told him and his fellow academy members:
“‘There are 28 of you in the room, if we get two of you out of this room to play Heineken Cup rugby we will be doing well’,
“That puts it in perspective of how far you have to travel in your rugby career to be a Lion.”
He has certainly done well.
