Devin Toner played his best ever game for Ireland just a fortnight after losing his father.
The Leinster lock was superb in Ireland’s amazing 26-20 win over South Africa.
Ireland arrived in the southern hemisphere with not many giving them a hope of beating the Springboks on their home turf for the first time ever. They were reduced to 14 men for a full hour against World Cup semi-finalists yet won, and deservedly won.
Being reduced to 14, and 13 for 10 minutes in the first half, required every single player to give more of themselves than they could ever imagine. And yet they did. Then they stood up and looked for more work to do.
Player ratings for Ireland's heroes after their GREATEST EVER victory https://t.co/eYAcwwALeb
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 11, 2016
No-one typified that more so than Devin Toner, who was awarded the official man-of-the-match award after the final whistle.
Toner’s father, Peter Toner, passed away two days before the second row was due to play for Leinster in the Guinness PRO12 final. He missed that game to be with his family. Last Monday, he buried his father and, the next day, flew to South Africa with Irish squad.
Speaking after the game, Toner paid tribute to his teammates and new defence coach Andy Farrell. As he was being handed his accolade, he said:
“I just want to say, this is for you Dad.”
You could tell he was emotional as he turned away but he composed himself and smiled as his teammates cheered him on.
His father, and an entire nation are extremely proud.
