Brownie will be impossible to replace

WHILE John Muldoon will deservedly garner a lot of the plaudits this week, it is also important to pay tribute to another Connacht legend that will finish his time with the province after 13 years, writes Ronan Loughney.

Andrew Browne epitomises all that is good at Connacht Rugby and he has contributed an unimaginable amount to the club throughout his career.

Brownie was a contradiction; a soft-spoken gentle giant off the pitch, but one of the toughest players I know who relishes a physical battle on it. He has a steely streak that runs through him that meant you knew when your backs were to the wall there was no one you would rather have beside you.

For many, a lineout caller’s job is to run the team’s lineout efficiently. He was a master lineout technician but also a class act around the park.

Having shared an injury rehab group with him on numerous occasions he was a great person to be around when bouncing back from the adversity of injury.

Had it not been for the misfortunate timing of a few of those injuries he would have gone on to a successful international career.

He has been a wonderful servant and it was an absolute privilege to share many great memories over the years with a great friend and one of the nicest guys you could meet.