THE MIRACLE MEN

Memories of that stunning Munster victory over Gloucester are still as strong as ever... so just what did happen to those heroes from 2003?

IT IS impossible to talk about Munster and Gloucester in the European Cup without dwelling upon the extraordinary events of the ‘Miracle Match’.

Tomorrow’s clash occurs almost exactly 16 years since the January 18, 2003 meeting between the sides. Although the former was Round 6 in Thomond Park as opposed to this week’s Round 5 in Kingsholm, there is still a massive amount at stake.

Unlike 2003, defeat now would not end Munster’s hopes in the competition but it would place their aspirations this season under serious pressure.

Johann van Graan would hope for less drama than occured 16 years ago. Munster needed to win by four clear tries and a minimum of 27 points to progress. They got there at the death courtesy of a Ronan O’Gara conversion which the out-half admitted afterwards he hit without knowing the mathematical consequences of failure.

It was just part of the mythology that surrounds that game, along with the Gloucester game-plan apparently being left in the back of a Limerick taxi and delivered to the Munster camp, the career-damaging dismantling of Gloucester’s much-hyped rugby league convert Henry Paul, plus a frenzied contribution from the Thomond Park crowd.

Kingsholm is poised to provide a similarly fevered atmosphere and, like his Aussie predecessor Alan Gaffney, Munster coach Van Graan has a team seeking to find its way after a series of near-misses.

‘When I came here, I was told of the passion and determination of the players and now I have seen, it was a joy to watch,’ said a somewhat shell-shocked Gaffney afterwards. Van Graan will be hoping he can echo those sentiments after a similarly complete performance tomorrow evening.

THEN AND NOW... 15 JEREMY STAUNTON (Ireland caps: 5)

A huge talent, rated ahead of Ronan O’Gara in his early career, who could play across the backline. Left Munster for Harlequins in 2004 and went on to win the European Cup and Premiership titles with Wasps. Helped Leicester to two Premiership titles. Recovered from a near fatal illness (Neurosarcoidosis) a few years ago. Now teaches maths and coaches rugby at Castleknock College.

14 JOHN KELLY (Ireland caps: 17)

Try-scoring hero on the day, Kelly was a go-to pick for almost 10 years from the late 1990s, winning the European Cup in 2006. A qualified accountant, Kelly has kept an active role in Munster Rugby as chairman of the professional game board.

13 MIKE MULLINS (Ireland caps: 16)

A journeyman Kiwi centre picked up from West Hartlepool, Declan Kidney turned Mullins into a serious attacking threat. His Limerick roots saw Mullins pick up 16 caps as Brian O’Driscoll’s understudy and went on to coach North Otago successfully in New Zealand.

12 JASON HOLLAND (Ireland caps: 0)

Brought over to play AIL with Midleton, the Kiwi’s playmaking abilities saw him become a Munster mainstay. Coached the province’s backs before returning to New Zealand where he became the highly regarded attack coach with the Hurricanes.

11 MOSSIE LAWLER (Ireland caps: 0)

A Shannon stalwart who had the ability to play in a variety of backline positions from 10 out, and picked up one of Munster’s tries that day. Now working as a player development officer with the Connacht Academy.

10 RONAN O’GARA (Ireland caps: 128)

Munster’s most influential player, guiding them to two European Cups while winning 128 caps for Ireland and gaining selection on three Lions tours. Since retirement in 2013, O’Gara has done extensive media work as well as forging a hugely successful coaching career, first with Racing 92 and now with Super Rugby champions, the Crusaders.

9 PETER STRINGER (Ireland caps: 98)

Recently retired having played into his 40s, Stringer will be remembered as one of the finest scrum-half passers to have played the game. Now works as a pundit and stars in RTÉ’s reality show, Dancing With The Stars.

1 MARCUS HORAN (Ireland caps: 67)

After serving his apprenticeship behind Peter Clohessy, the mobile Shannon loosehead became a regular for Munster and Ireland for much of the 2000s. Involved with Rugby Player Ireland, Limerick Institute of Technology and player development in Munster while working as a pundit with TG4.

2 FRANKIE SHEAHAN (Ireland caps: 29)

Successfully stepped into the sizeable void left by Keith Wood in the early 2000s. Worked as an agent and pundit before setting up event company, Pendulum Summit.

3 JOHN HAYES (Ireland caps: 105)

Ireland’s first centurion, ‘The Bull’ was a rock for province and country before retiring in his late 30s in 2011. Runs the family farm in Cappamore in Limerick.

4 DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN (Ireland caps: 94)

Did his time behind Mick Galwey