O'Connell praises makeshift Ireland team after Georgia win: 'I'm very happy'

Irish Daily Mirror

06-07-2025

Paul O'Connell has lauded the performance of his makeshift Ireland team as they clinched an impressive 34-5 win over Georgia in Tbilisi.
With Head Coach Andy Farrell and many first-choice players absent due to British and Irish Lions duties, interim coach O'Connell witnessed his young charges demonstrate their robustness with a confident display on a drenched pitch.
Tommy O'Brien, making his debut, dashed across the try line twice in the initial stages before stand-in captain Craig Casey nabbed a try early in the second half, with Nick Timoney sealing the deal towards the game's end.
Reflecting on the match, O'Connell said: "Very important game. A lot of players away with the Lions and we've got a load of guys who are just dying for an opportunity.
"And you wonder how they will take that opportunity, particularly (because) some of them hadn't played games in a little while, so I'm very happy with how they went about their business.
"They had a load of intent with what they did and they were really accurate with that intent."
During their first clash with Georgia since the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup, Ireland didn't take long to take the lead under the rain, scoring within the first two minutes.
The debutant O'Brien was quick off the mark with his first international try, seizing onto Sam Prendergast's kick to score near the posts.
After Prendergast nailed the conversion, Ireland quickly followed up with a second try in just the eighth minute.
In a superb display, Prendergast lobbed the ball which allowed O'Brien to make a crossing in the right corner. Georgia gave it their all and, as the first half was drawing to a close, they managed to slice through the Irish guard, with Tornike Jalagonia touching down in the corner.
Ending the initial 40 minutes on a sour note was a blip in an otherwise strong performance under O'Connell's guidance, yet Casey, taking charge as interim captain, made amends swiftly after the interval. Mere moments into the second half, Casey celebrated his inaugural game as skipper by diving over the line following a nifty one-two with teammate Ryan Baird.
Prendergast added the conversion which was soon followed by two successful penalty kicks. The match also witnessed Test debuts being handed to Tom Ahern, Jack Aungier and Ben Murphy.
It was Timoney who had the last word thanks to his skilful late try, handing captain Casey a victory to start his leadership. Casey remarked: "Yeah obviously very happy. A bit wetter than we expected during the week. We had to adapt our game a bit and I thought we managed the game really well.
"Our forwards were top-class, so we have to owe it to them. The feeling in the group is awesome, it's a great start to the summer tour.
"There are a few lads making their first caps and we wanted to make it special for them and their families. Thankfully we did that."