Yes, we’re Irish but we don’t drink. Get over it!
The teetotal two reveal why they are going strong as they hit 40...
IT’S quite fitting that Peter Stringer and Donncha O’Callaghan should end up together at Worcester in the twilight years of their careers. The veteran pair, both teetotallers, were brothers in arms for many a year at the ‘sober’ table during team nights out, be it with Munster or Ireland.
Paul O’Connell recalled a tale in his book, The Battle, when the Ireland squad, under then-head coach Eddie O’Sullivan, embarked on a team bonding session at a Chinese restaurant in south Dublin prior to the 2006 Six Nations. As usual, Stringer and O’Callaghan were at the nondrinkers table keeping out of harm’s way.
Led by O’Connell, the night soon descended into drunken anarchy. When a bunch of glasses were knocked over, the staff rushed in to investigate the commotion. The rest of the Irish squad duly pointed the finger of blame at the sober stalwarts sitting away from the action: ‘It was the nerds!’
It was a familiar scene. The legendary Irishmen, who are now plying their trade with Worcester in the Aviva Premiership, both made their professional debuts for Munster in 1998.
Certainly, their aversion to alcohol has played a part in their longevity, but that is just a small element of obsessive and disciplined training regimes.
Scrum-half Stringer turned 40 earlier this month while second rower O’Callaghan will celebrate his 39th birthday next March.
‘It’s one element of numerous bits that make everything work,’ says Stringer on staying away from the drink.
O’Callaghan interjects: ‘100 per cent, there’s something to it, but it’s one that actually frustrates me. People think that’s the silver bullet. Don’t drink. They don’t see the preparation that goes into it.’
‘It drives me nuts me though… the perception about Irish people. You come over [to England] and you say you don’t drink and they’re looking at ya like you’ve two heads. Even small things, like when [Barack] Obama went to Ireland, the first photos were of him were with a pint and you’re thinking “give us a break, like”.’
Proud natives of Cork, the same city that produced Roy Keane and Ronan O’Gara, Stringer and O’Callaghan are both part of the fabric of Irish rugby folklore.
They were key players in the renowned Munster side that claimed historic Heineken Cup titles in 2006 and 2008. A year later, they were on the pitch when Ireland clinched their first Grand Slam in 61 years with a 17-15 victory over Wales at a heaving Millennium Stadium.
Munster was shaken to its very core last season with the sudden passing of head coach and former captain Anthony Foley.
When the province won that maiden European title in 2006 with a pulsating victory over Biarritz, it was Foley who lifted the trophy. He was a leader and friend to Stringer and O’Callaghan.
A day after Foley’s funeral in Killaloe, Munster took on Glasgow in a Champions Cup clash at Thomond Park, their Limerick fortress. It was an emotional and inspiring occasion as a Munster squad, led by Peter O’Mahony, swept the visitors away 38-17 in a sea of emotion. It was an unforgettable occasion.
Stringer and O’Callaghan were sitting together in the stands that day.
‘You just couldn’t have been prouder with how those lads conducted themselves,’ reflects O’Callaghan, who is Munster’s mostcapped player of all-time with 263 appearances.
‘You wanted with all your heart to play in that match.’
‘All the guys had different relationships with Axel. He was a coach for some guys. He was always my captain. He was a brother to other guys.
‘He was f ****** Superman. He got a group of us to go beyond ourselves so many times.’
Stringer, who won 98 caps for Ireland, adds: ‘It’s brought everyone even closer who was part of that era. It’s merged us even closer to the current team.’
Fast forward to the present day and Worcester’s clash with London Irish at Sixways this evening is the primary focus, where a win would see the Warriors stretch their lead over the basement dwelling Exiles to 10 points.
No doubt, skipper O’Callaghan, who is set to hang up his boots at the end of the season, and Stringer, who is set to leave the club when his six-month contract expires this month, will be doing everything they can to keep Worcester in the Premiership.
But they have never forgotten where they came from.
‘You may be playing for other teams but you’re a Munster man and that’s what it comes down to,’ Stringer concludes.
‘Regardless of where we’ll end up in the future or what we’ll be doing, we’re Munster men… that’s the way it is.’