Peter O’Mahony sounded like the man you wanted to be celebrating with at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon/evening and on into the London night.
The Munster captain had one of his best games in a green jersey – and he has had several extremely fine games of late – to help Ireland to only their third ever Grand Slam.
O’Mahony, Dan Leavy and CJ Stander formed a hellacious back row unit and out-worked their English counter-parts, and every other player in a white jersey that took a run at them.
Between the trio, they made 42 carries, 40 tackles and hit 80+ rucks during Ireland’s 24-15 over the dethroned England side. O’Mahony left the fray with six minutes to play – for a Head Injury Assessment – but returned to the sidelines in time for the final whistle and some scenes of jubilation. Johnny Sexton, Bundee Aki and a few more of the walking wounded were there too.
Back in the ‘Away’ dressing room it was more of the same, with slightly more alcohol on show, and to spray around
“There was a good bit of champagne going everywhere,” remarked Jordan Larmour as he highlighted O’Mahony as the ringleader of the good time gang.
Post-match, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt commented:
“[The lads that picked up knocks] are really good. In fact, I think if they had been a bit more injured it would have been a little bit safer in the changing room. They’re very exuberant right now. Besty and I got out relatively dry but it’s very wet.
“Some of those guys who came off injured – I don’t know whether it was a plan – but they’ve got the most energy right now.”
O’Mahony has now claimed three Six Nations championships in his Test career but he did not hang onto his third winners’ medal.
Following the game, the Cork native sought out long-time Ireland fan Jennifer Malone, a regular out at the Carton House training sessions, and presented her with his medal. Inpho Photography were on hand to get some snaps of the special moment:
After today's game @peterom6 gave his @SixNationsRugby winner's medal to young fan Jennier Malone! @IrishRugby #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/T6dGnqes2d
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) March 17, 2018
Jennifer’s awestruck sister was able to capture the moment too:
Yes my sister got to lift the six nations trophy today in Twickenham and got Peter O’Mahoney’s medal and yes I am extremelyyyyy jealous pic.twitter.com/NVU3L4suUp
— Rachel ✨ (@RachelMalone976) March 17, 2018
Pure class from O’Mahony and a day to remember for him, Jennifer Malone and every Irish fan that took in the joyous scenes.
There should be more great memories created on Sunday afternoon at the Aviva Stadium [Lansdowne Road] when the 2018 Six Nations champions stage a Grand Slam-sized homecoming from 4:30pm.
