O'Kelly Aiming To Go From Strength-to-Strength in Six Nations
By Aidan Begley

Irish Rugby’s Malcolm O’Kelly took a step into the record books in the recent Six Nations game against Scotland, by becoming Ireland’s most capped player of all time.

The 30-year-old Leinster lock made his 70th Test appearance at Murrayfield, taking over the mantle from legendary centre Mike Gibson, who accumulated his 69 appearances between 1964 and 1979, while at the same time holding down a full-time job as a lawyer, in the days before professionalism.

And while O’Kelly has clocked up his record haul as a modern-day professional, the giant Dubliner believes that it is still an achievement to be recognised.

“I’ve been very lucky to be involved with a successful Irish team, and really I came into the rugby world at a good time – at the dawn of professionalism. But I must have done something right to get up to 70 caps.

“You still have to go out there and lace up your boots, so I’m delighted to get to Mike Gibson’s mark after eight seasons,” said O’Kelly.

Standing at a towering 6ft 8in, O’Kelly is the focal point of Irish line-outs and coach Eddie O’Sullivan is a long-time admirer of him and believes that he could be one of the star’s of the Six Nations.
“Mal had a great game against Italy, given the occasion within it,” said O’Sullivan. “He’s earned his standing in the game and his caps record is a testament to his fitness and drive. He’s vital to our chances in the Six Nations.”

Especially vital to the campaign is the game on February 27th against England at Lansdowne Road. Eddie O’Sullivan’s men would have had a two-week break following the game with Scotland, so a recharged team will head into the game looking to defeat England for the second year in a row.

In March 2004, Ireland turned in a superb performance to defeat England – the newly crowned World Champion’s – in their own backyard with a 19-16 victory.

This victory made up for the trouncing that a rampant England administered on Ireland to scoop the Six Nations title in 2003 and with this in mind, Ireland will be full of confidence for this crucial battle, in front of a passionate crowd in Dublin.

Grab a copy of the March edition of The Harp to read the latest on the Six Nations campaign and to read reaction to the big Anglo-Celtic battle.