O’Connor called into Ireland squad
The Stairway to Heaven isn’t meant to be this short. It’s not even a year since Drumsurn fly-half Niall O’Connor signed professional terms with Ulster but yesterday his meteoric rise to rugby stardom was boosted further when he was called into Eddie O’Sullivan’s Ireland squad ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Scotland.
By Cahair O’Kane
The 21-year-old former Limavady Grammar student has earned rave reviews in his first full season as a professional and was given the man-of-the-match award after he kicked 12 points to get Matt Williams’ reign as boss off to the perfect start with a 38-13 win over Newport Gwent Dragons at a packed Ravenhill.
That was the beginning of a dream week that got better on Monday when he found himself rubbing shoulders with Brian O’Driscoll and co having been drafted in as cover for the injured Geordan Murphy.
O’Connor said on Monday that he is thoroughly enjoying the experience while admitting that he is unlikely to figure in O’Sullivan’s 22 as the Irish look to maintain their hopes of a third Triple Crown in four years, though he is hopeful of being part of the ‘A’ side which will take on the Scots at McDiarmid Park on Friday night.
“It was a bit of a shock to get the call yesterday, but training went well this morning, it was really enjoyable. It is definitely another step up, training is very fast and the skill level is really high but so far I have really enjoyed it.
“I am hoping to be involved with Ireland ‘A’, this weekend so this is great experience.”
New Ulster coach Matt Williams lauded O’Connor’s influence on that victory over Gwent in the aftermath of Friday night’s game and hopes that the Limavady man is one that he’ll be keeping hold of for years to come.
“He didn’t kick as well, I think he was fatigued because he was running but with ball-in-hand, I thought it was a great display and I though he defended very well too.”
“I think we have a real good ‘un in Niall at 10.”
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