To see just how ecstatic Darren Sweetnam was after his Ireland debut would leave you reinvigorated about this game we love.
Gathered in ‘Dressing Room 4’ at the Aviva Stadium, many of us were wondering how Ireland’s footballers were faring against Denmark when some of the rugby players that had helped dismantle South Africa were ushered in.
As Andrew Conway held court at one end of the room, Sweetnam came down to do ‘live’ interviews. He was still amped up from his 10-minute cameo at the end of Ireland’s 38-3 throttling of the Springboks.
“Jeez, it was absolutely incredible,” he began.
“It was almost surreal, d’ya know? Growing up as a young kid in Ireland all you ever want to do is get into a green jersey, so I was absolutely thrilled. And there was a fair old roar so I enjoyed that as well.”
Sweetnam now follows in the foot-steps of Munster legend Mick Galwey, in having graced Croke Park [in GAA] and Lansdowne Road [in rugby]. It was only five years ago that, at the age of 19 and as a top hurling prospect, he lined out for Cork’s senior hurlers. He also played for the county’s Minors at GAA headquarters and his switch to rugby was keenly felt.
“It kind of backs my decision, going with rugby, at the end of the day. But you do be thinking of getting on and doing your job; on concentrating about what’s ahead… It was nice to get my hands on the ball [from Joey Carbery’s kick] and we then scored on the other wing through Jacob Stockdale, so that was nice as well.”
The Dunmanway native puffed his cheeks and exhaled when he was asked if his debut experience matched that of running out at Croker or at Semple Stadium.
“Oh, I have experienced anything like… I was getting goosebumps running out there, with the fireworks and the smoke.
“It was something like I’ve never experienced before. It was incredible, I loved every bit of it.
“It’s five years now since I played in Croke Park, but obviously both are incredible.”
Contemplating his journey thus far, Sweetnam admitted there were times he may never get an Ireland cap.
“I was so delighted,” he said, “but I won’t get ahead of myself, I’ll just keep working hard now and keep working with the lads around me and keep going.”
While he is definitely not the first person to do so, Sweetnam’s praise of Munster and Ireland teammate Keith Earls was nice to hear. Asked who was good in helping him get settled in the squad, the 24-year-old replied:
“The Munster lads have been great, Johnny Sexton too. Keith Earls has been so good to me, he just goes through every move with me. Even when he got injured he just came and sat with me and made sure I was okay with everything.
“Andrew Conway as well has just been telling me how it feels. It’s a great bunch of lads around me.”
Fiji are next up on the agenda and Sweetnam will be hoping for another taste of Test rugby.
He left us with another gem – what he would be singing for his Ireland debut initiation song.
“I only have one song and that’s Country Road. I’ll try bash out the chorus!”
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