Latest news with #O'Driscoll
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Brian O'Driscoll admits he thought he might be Lions captain - only to be dropped instead
Brian O'Driscoll was hoping to go out in glory before his final British and Irish Lions game - even thinking he might be captain - but instead was dropped by Warren Gatland Brian O'Driscoll admits he thought he was potentially on to be British and Irish Lions captain for the decisive Third Test against Australia in 2013 - only to end up being dropped for the crucial clash. The Ireland icon, then playing in the final of his four Lions tours, had start in the first two Tests in the 13 jersey and was hoping to play a crucial role in the winner takes all game in Sydney. Instead Warren Gatland 's decision to drop him and opt for the Wales centre partnership would end up being one of the most infamous selections calls in Lions history. O'Driscoll admits he took it easy at the start of the week, thinking injuries to leadership personnel might have seen him assume the captaincy. Instead it was quite the opposite and Lions assistant coach Rob Howley came over and asked him for a chat, with O'Driscoll quickly clocking he wasn't going to enjoy the conversation. He told the Telegraph: "I trained Monday, trained Tuesday and when the squad was picked on Wednesday, I thought I might be captain, because Paul O'Connell and Sam Warburton were injured. I was making a cup of coffee when I got a tap on the shoulder, and I knew immediately it was not the kind of tap on the shoulder that a captain gets…' O'Driscoll and Jonathan Davies had partnered up in the centres with Jamie Roberts injured. O'Driscoll and Roberts had struck an impressive partnership four years earlier in South Africa, but instead Gatland leant back on his Welsh stars in the 12 and 13 jerseys. It didn't take long for the message to come across to the Irishman, who aired his thoughts with the coaches, but always knew that Davies and Roberts had winning experience together with the pieces of the puzzle not falling in his favour as he watched the Lions win the series decider. 'It was a quick conversation," he recalled. "The only thing I said to them was that they should not have put me up for media if they were going to drop me, but they hadn't had any of their coaches' meetings by then. 'At the time I didn't even ask if I was on the bench or not, so when the squad was read out later it dawned on me that I wasn't going to be involved at all. But I got that. I was not a bench player, Manu Tuilagi [who was named on the replacements] had played a bit of wing too, and I had never really played there. 'But the thing for me, is that Foxy [Davies] and Jamie had gone so well together with Wales in the Six Nations. We had beaten them, but they had won the title. So, for me, the best chance of playing in the Test series was also with Manu. We played well together in the first match but then he got injured. Myself and Foxy were not a good partnership, we were both out and out 13s trying to make it work because the other two were injured. We weren't cohesive.'
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Brian O'Driscoll firm made €217,000 profits last year
Accumulated profits at the main firm owned by Irish rugby legend, Brian O'Driscoll last year increased to €10.68m, new accounts show. Abridged accounts filed by O'Driscoll's O.D.M. and Promotions Ltd to the Companies Office show the company recorded post tax profits of €217,379 in the 12 months to the end of August last. The post tax profits were down 73% on the post tax profits of €810,463 for 2023. The decrease is partly explained by pay to directors more than doubling from €212,707 to €446,424 due to the firm making pension contributions of €284,225 into the directors' pension pot compared to a zero contribution in 2023. Cash funds at the company last year decreased sharply from €2.14m to €795,403 and this coincided with the company making additions of €2.47m to its financial assets rising from €5.9m to €8.6m. The rise in value of financial assets takes into account a write-down of €91,486. O'Driscoll is one half of one of Ireland's most high profile couples and separate accounts lodged by his wife, Amy Huberman's ASM Entertainment show that accumulated profits increased to €1.43m in the 12 months to the end of August last. This followed Ms Huberman's entertainment firm recorded post tax profits of €143,075 and this followed post tax profits of €233,628 in 2023. Cash funds at the company plunged from €1.07m to €502,239 and this coincided with the company adding €700,000 to its financial assets rising from €178,009 to €906,009. Away from her acting and writing career, Ms Huberman - who featured on Amazon Prime Video's Last One Laughing Ireland in the year under review - continues to be a favourite of companies building their brands. Ms Huberman's popularity with the Irish public is confirmed with a combined audience of over 926,000 on the Dubliner's X and Instagram accounts and in March of this year the Dubliner launched her own wine brand, Ah Wines. The profits at O'Driscoll's ODM and Promotions for 2024 show that O'Driscoll - now 46 - continues to retain stellar earning power - 11 years after retiring from the game of professional rugby. The company has investment properties with a book value of €1m and a note states that the investment properties are rented residences. The firm has consistently recorded strong profits in recent years and the profits of 2024 and 2023 following profits of €641,383 in 2022, €874,120 in 2021 and €899,710 in 2020. O'Driscoll works as a pundit for TNT Sports, Off The Ball and is a HSBC Sports Ambassador. His firm employs three and pay to staff at the company, which includes directors, last year increased from €348,754 to €617,800 made up of wages and salaries of €316,522, pension payments of €284,225 and €17,053 in social insurance costs. The firm's financial assets are made up of €6.4m in listed investments; €679,906 in participating interests and €1.58m in other investments other than loans. The €679,906 in participating investments relates to a 33.3% investment in White Water LLC, a New York limited liability company. O'Driscoll ended his decorated playing career with Ireland and Leinster in 2014
The Journal
22-07-2025
- General
- The Journal
Council considers installing flower beds to stop tourists 'molesting' Molly Malone statue
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL will no longer employ stewards to stop tourists groping the Molly Malone statue, and is instead considering installing flower beds around the base to act as an obstacle. Posing while grabbing the Suffolk Street statue's 'lucky' breasts has become a popular photo opportunity for tourists in recent years. DCC told The Journal the tourist habit has become 'ingrained'. A spokesperson said: 'When approached not to touch the statue, people were generally cooperative, but without stewards the behaviour returns and is ingrained, apparently, as part of [a tourist's] visit to Dublin.' 'It is difficult to change this behaviour, so we are exploring other avenues of protection for the sculpture, including installing flower beds around the base,' they added. The story was first reported by the Irish Daily Star . The council had employed stewards to patrol around the statue for one week in May to protect the statue and prevent further damage. Tourists touching the statue's breasts has caused discolouration and Dublin City Council is now organising for restoration of the statue as the patination is damaged. Advertisement The origins of rubbing Molly Malone's chest area for good luck is suspected to have begun in 2012 by a tour guide, or guides. 'Molly Malone' by Irish sculptor Jeanne Rynhart was erected at the northern end of Grafton Street in 1988. It was moved around the corner to Suffolk Street a decade ago to make way for the Luas. Social Democrats councillor Cat O'Driscoll, chair of Dublin City Council's sub-committee that covers arts and culture, told The Journal that tour groups are more likely to 'molest' the statue than individual tourists. Tour guides are now asking tourists not to touch the statue. Councillor O'Driscoll said installing flower beds is the strongest solution available to protect the statue. She said: 'It takes away the possibility of people climbing up.' The Arts Council considered different options to protect Molly Malone, including raising the height of the statue, adding a fence around it, or moving it. However, O'Driscoll believes flower beds will have the most impact. She said planting flowers at the base of the statue will not take away from it, but add colour to an otherwise grey area. She said many statues in Dublin frequently have to be repaired due to public interaction, including the Phil Lynott statue on Grafton Street and the Luke Kelly statue at the Point; however statues of women are the most targeted. 'I do believe women's statues are much more likely to be sexualised compared to male statues, and we don't commemorate enough women in our public art. When we do, they tend to be more mythical people. Why can't we celebrate women the way we do with men?' she asked. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Advertiser
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
For the anchor: Why the love for Longmuir stays strong
Fremantle midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll has spoken about the love the players have for Justin Longmuir, revealing how the coach's 'For the Anchor' motto has helped shape and inspire the group. The Dockers' top-four hopes will receive a major test on Sunday when they face ladder leaders Collingwood at the MCG. Hayden Young returns for Fremantle after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Collingwood made five changes - losing the likes of Jeremy Howe (adductor), Dan Houston (abdominal) and Tim Membrey (managed) but regaining Brody Mihocek, Patrick Lipinski and Beau McCreery. Longmuir is in his sixth year as Fremantle coach, and the pressure is on him to deliver the goods after guiding the club to just one finals appearance to date. The high-stakes nature was highlighted last week when Longmuir's position was questioned by North Melbourne legend David King following Fremantle's 11-point loss to Sydney, which snapped the Dockers' six-match winning run. Last Saturday's 13-point win over Hawthorn has helped momentarily quieten the doubters, but Fremantle players are still shocked at just how quickly the heat can come on Longmuir. "I don't really understand the hate towards him to be honest," O'Driscoll said. "We'd won six in a row and then we lose one game by not that much, and he's already scrutinised, with people saying they need to sack him. "I love him. I reckon he's a great bloke and a really insightful coach. And I know all the boys love him too. "He's got knowledge that a lot of other people wouldn't know. "You can see our game plan holds up against Hawthorn and these other good teams. Those games that we've lost haven't been on JL, it's been on us." When Longmuir arrived at Fremantle, he introduced a motto that has helped shape the playing group. "We have this thing called 'For the Anchor' - we're all in it together," O'Driscoll explained. "If one of us is lacking, it just makes the whole team fall down. So when JL's hung out to dry like that ... we're in it together. "And with Caleb (Serong) getting tagged, it's another thing that we could mention. "We made an emphasis (on that before the Hawthorn game). "If he's getting tagged, we need to be in there as a family fighting for him, because against Sydney he got tagged and no one helped him. "So little things like that just really inspire me and get me up and going, and get me excited to play for these boys." O'Driscoll said the 'For the Anchor' culture has extended into other areas. "Around the club, we have this thing called 'Scrub the Decks'," O'Driscoll said. "So if we leave a pair of boots or the locker room is dirty, we're not leaving that to someone else. We have to do that. "We always clean up after ourselves. Little details matter in the big scheme of things. "Every time you go out and do something, it's for the anchor. You're representing the club and the people in here. "We want to leave a legacy and a good footprint for the kids to come through and play footy." Fremantle midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll has spoken about the love the players have for Justin Longmuir, revealing how the coach's 'For the Anchor' motto has helped shape and inspire the group. The Dockers' top-four hopes will receive a major test on Sunday when they face ladder leaders Collingwood at the MCG. Hayden Young returns for Fremantle after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Collingwood made five changes - losing the likes of Jeremy Howe (adductor), Dan Houston (abdominal) and Tim Membrey (managed) but regaining Brody Mihocek, Patrick Lipinski and Beau McCreery. Longmuir is in his sixth year as Fremantle coach, and the pressure is on him to deliver the goods after guiding the club to just one finals appearance to date. The high-stakes nature was highlighted last week when Longmuir's position was questioned by North Melbourne legend David King following Fremantle's 11-point loss to Sydney, which snapped the Dockers' six-match winning run. Last Saturday's 13-point win over Hawthorn has helped momentarily quieten the doubters, but Fremantle players are still shocked at just how quickly the heat can come on Longmuir. "I don't really understand the hate towards him to be honest," O'Driscoll said. "We'd won six in a row and then we lose one game by not that much, and he's already scrutinised, with people saying they need to sack him. "I love him. I reckon he's a great bloke and a really insightful coach. And I know all the boys love him too. "He's got knowledge that a lot of other people wouldn't know. "You can see our game plan holds up against Hawthorn and these other good teams. Those games that we've lost haven't been on JL, it's been on us." When Longmuir arrived at Fremantle, he introduced a motto that has helped shape the playing group. "We have this thing called 'For the Anchor' - we're all in it together," O'Driscoll explained. "If one of us is lacking, it just makes the whole team fall down. So when JL's hung out to dry like that ... we're in it together. "And with Caleb (Serong) getting tagged, it's another thing that we could mention. "We made an emphasis (on that before the Hawthorn game). "If he's getting tagged, we need to be in there as a family fighting for him, because against Sydney he got tagged and no one helped him. "So little things like that just really inspire me and get me up and going, and get me excited to play for these boys." O'Driscoll said the 'For the Anchor' culture has extended into other areas. "Around the club, we have this thing called 'Scrub the Decks'," O'Driscoll said. "So if we leave a pair of boots or the locker room is dirty, we're not leaving that to someone else. We have to do that. "We always clean up after ourselves. Little details matter in the big scheme of things. "Every time you go out and do something, it's for the anchor. You're representing the club and the people in here. "We want to leave a legacy and a good footprint for the kids to come through and play footy." Fremantle midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll has spoken about the love the players have for Justin Longmuir, revealing how the coach's 'For the Anchor' motto has helped shape and inspire the group. The Dockers' top-four hopes will receive a major test on Sunday when they face ladder leaders Collingwood at the MCG. Hayden Young returns for Fremantle after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Collingwood made five changes - losing the likes of Jeremy Howe (adductor), Dan Houston (abdominal) and Tim Membrey (managed) but regaining Brody Mihocek, Patrick Lipinski and Beau McCreery. Longmuir is in his sixth year as Fremantle coach, and the pressure is on him to deliver the goods after guiding the club to just one finals appearance to date. The high-stakes nature was highlighted last week when Longmuir's position was questioned by North Melbourne legend David King following Fremantle's 11-point loss to Sydney, which snapped the Dockers' six-match winning run. Last Saturday's 13-point win over Hawthorn has helped momentarily quieten the doubters, but Fremantle players are still shocked at just how quickly the heat can come on Longmuir. "I don't really understand the hate towards him to be honest," O'Driscoll said. "We'd won six in a row and then we lose one game by not that much, and he's already scrutinised, with people saying they need to sack him. "I love him. I reckon he's a great bloke and a really insightful coach. And I know all the boys love him too. "He's got knowledge that a lot of other people wouldn't know. "You can see our game plan holds up against Hawthorn and these other good teams. Those games that we've lost haven't been on JL, it's been on us." When Longmuir arrived at Fremantle, he introduced a motto that has helped shape the playing group. "We have this thing called 'For the Anchor' - we're all in it together," O'Driscoll explained. "If one of us is lacking, it just makes the whole team fall down. So when JL's hung out to dry like that ... we're in it together. "And with Caleb (Serong) getting tagged, it's another thing that we could mention. "We made an emphasis (on that before the Hawthorn game). "If he's getting tagged, we need to be in there as a family fighting for him, because against Sydney he got tagged and no one helped him. "So little things like that just really inspire me and get me up and going, and get me excited to play for these boys." O'Driscoll said the 'For the Anchor' culture has extended into other areas. "Around the club, we have this thing called 'Scrub the Decks'," O'Driscoll said. "So if we leave a pair of boots or the locker room is dirty, we're not leaving that to someone else. We have to do that. "We always clean up after ourselves. Little details matter in the big scheme of things. "Every time you go out and do something, it's for the anchor. You're representing the club and the people in here. "We want to leave a legacy and a good footprint for the kids to come through and play footy."
Perth Now
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
For the anchor: Why the love for Longmuir stays strong
Fremantle midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll has spoken about the love the players have for Justin Longmuir, revealing how the coach's 'For the Anchor' motto has helped shape and inspire the group. The Dockers' top-four hopes will receive a major test on Sunday when they face ladder leaders Collingwood at the MCG. Hayden Young returns for Fremantle after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Collingwood made five changes - losing the likes of Jeremy Howe (adductor), Dan Houston (abdominal) and Tim Membrey (managed) but regaining Brody Mihocek, Patrick Lipinski and Beau McCreery. Longmuir is in his sixth year as Fremantle coach, and the pressure is on him to deliver the goods after guiding the club to just one finals appearance to date. The high-stakes nature was highlighted last week when Longmuir's position was questioned by North Melbourne legend David King following Fremantle's 11-point loss to Sydney, which snapped the Dockers' six-match winning run. Last Saturday's 13-point win over Hawthorn has helped momentarily quieten the doubters, but Fremantle players are still shocked at just how quickly the heat can come on Longmuir. "I don't really understand the hate towards him to be honest," O'Driscoll said. "We'd won six in a row and then we lose one game by not that much, and he's already scrutinised, with people saying they need to sack him. "I love him. I reckon he's a great bloke and a really insightful coach. And I know all the boys love him too. "He's got knowledge that a lot of other people wouldn't know. "You can see our game plan holds up against Hawthorn and these other good teams. Those games that we've lost haven't been on JL, it's been on us." When Longmuir arrived at Fremantle, he introduced a motto that has helped shape the playing group. "We have this thing called 'For the Anchor' - we're all in it together," O'Driscoll explained. "If one of us is lacking, it just makes the whole team fall down. So when JL's hung out to dry like that ... we're in it together. "And with Caleb (Serong) getting tagged, it's another thing that we could mention. "We made an emphasis (on that before the Hawthorn game). "If he's getting tagged, we need to be in there as a family fighting for him, because against Sydney he got tagged and no one helped him. "So little things like that just really inspire me and get me up and going, and get me excited to play for these boys." O'Driscoll said the 'For the Anchor' culture has extended into other areas. "Around the club, we have this thing called 'Scrub the Decks'," O'Driscoll said. "So if we leave a pair of boots or the locker room is dirty, we're not leaving that to someone else. We have to do that. "We always clean up after ourselves. Little details matter in the big scheme of things. "Every time you go out and do something, it's for the anchor. You're representing the club and the people in here. "We want to leave a legacy and a good footprint for the kids to come through and play footy."
