When writing about his rugby career in The Battle (2016), former Ireland captain Paul O’Connell reflected on how he became fixated on the mentality of champions. This transformation in psychology – for O’Connell and others – had significant ramifications; an Irish rugby team could think of itself as world class and then match that with world-class performances including beating New Zealand and winning Grand Slams. Exceptional efficiencyThe current Ireland team thinks very differently and so do those playing against it and those watching. The idea that an Irish rugby team could provide a template for a confident, globalised, high-achieving, disciplined Ireland was perhaps somewhat uncomfortable for some of our forefathers. in this country we had our own heroes on the playing fields but we needed an icon of international status”.

Source: The Irish Times March 17, 2018 19:55 UTC