Best Ever Irish Sportsman ...

patrique wrote:BOD bursting through tackles and stopping men dead with tackles looks impressive, but he is nearly 16stone. Back in Gibson's day the monster Will John was nearly 15 stone, and Gibson was about 12. But his tackling was every bit as good as BOD, probably didn't look as impressive because of the lack of size.

But sure P then the fellas he was tackling were smaller! BOD is tackling bigger men than Gibson. Its all relative.

Jayo Cluxton wrote:

patrique wrote:BOD bursting through tackles and stopping men dead with tackles looks impressive, but he is nearly 16stone. Back in Gibson's day the monster Will John was nearly 15 stone, and Gibson was about 12. But his tackling was every bit as good as BOD, probably didn't look as impressive because of the lack of size.

But sure P then the fellas he was tackling were smaller! BOD is tackling bigger men than Gibson. Its all relative.

I know that but less discerning mortals than me might be impressed by BOD's size.

Personally I'd be more impressed by BOD's lightning pace, handling, vision, bravery, leadership and all round genius.

But your right pat just last week my oul' fella and myself were watching the Leinster game, he never watches sport and asked who O'Driscoll was, I said he was Ireland's captain. He said "Big lad isn't he, must be the greatest rugby player Ireland have ever produced?"

Jonsmith wrote:Personally I'd be more impressed by BOD's lightning pace, handling, vision, bravery, leadership and all round genius.

But your right pat just last week my oul' fella and myself were watching the Leinster game, he never watches sport and asked who O'Driscoll was, I said he was Ireland's captain. He said "Big lad isn't he, must be the greatest rugby player Ireland have ever produced?"

It's nice to have the respect and support of one's peers, and to be right.

Again.

patrique wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:

patrique wrote:BOD bursting through tackles and stopping men dead with tackles looks impressive, but he is nearly 16stone. Back in Gibson's day the monster Will John was nearly 15 stone, and Gibson was about 12. But his tackling was every bit as good as BOD, probably didn't look as impressive because of the lack of size.

But sure P then the fellas he was tackling were smaller! BOD is tackling bigger men than Gibson. Its all relative.

I know that but less discerning mortals than me might be impressed by BOD's size.

just watching Reeling in the Years there from 2000. Brian ODriscoll against France that year was an unbelievable performance of pure speed. It was interesting to note that he looked probably about 2 stone lighter than he is now.

samin10 wrote:

patrique wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:

patrique wrote:BOD bursting through tackles and stopping men dead with tackles looks impressive, but he is nearly 16stone. Back in Gibson's day the monster Will John was nearly 15 stone, and Gibson was about 12. But his tackling was every bit as good as BOD, probably didn't look as impressive because of the lack of size.

But sure P then the fellas he was tackling were smaller! BOD is tackling bigger men than Gibson. Its all relative.

I know that but less discerning mortals than me might be impressed by BOD's size.

just watching Reeling in the Years there from 2000. Brian ODriscoll against France that year was an unbelievable performance of pure speed. It was interesting to note that he looked probably about 2 stone lighter than he is now.

13 ST V 16 ST odd.
Shows the direction rugby is heading - a lean 6 ft 2 midfielder in Gealic usually tops the scales at a tad over 14 st - a 5ft 10 inch rugby center needs to be 2 stone heavier.

have a look at the all blacks team - gone are the days of a few tall lads in the second row a few fat props and everyone else normal build - everyone on the all blacks team (except Carter) is 6 ft 2 and 17/18 stone.

Just have a look at pictures of Ciaran Fitzgerald in the 1980's he wouldn't be big enough for half back in todays game let alone front row

But for an untimely life intervention this man would rank with the very best, possibly still may do......sheer class.
Sorry the clip, as selected is so brief..

£160,000 at auction for a European Cup medal won by the eponymously greatest player ever from these islands.

Poor Nobby Styles medal will only fetch a pittance.

For his courage on and off the field:

Sawyer wrote:For his courage on and off the field:

His the greatest player never to play senior for Dublin hopefully he makes a full recovery...