Tony Ward: Pat Lam's running game at Connacht has restored my faith in rugby

For those of us of a different generation brought up on the unwritten principle of the Cinderella province destined never to make it to the ball, we know what this victory means to former players in particular and to Connacht folk of every generation everywhere.

What transpired in Murrayfield on Saturday was the culmination of one of the greatest seasons ever by an Irish side.

While it wasn't the Champions Cup, or even the shadow Challenge competition, what this Pro12 success did represent was an Irish side playing the game in the way in which it was meant to be played from the moment William Webb Ellis first did his thing.

It is difficult not to feel for Leinster in the circumstances, specifically in relation to the enforced absences of Isa Nacewa and Devin Toner. To big Dev, on behalf of everyone associated with the game, we send our sincerest condolences on the sudden passing of his dad.

Pivotal

Both he and Nacewa were to prove pivotal losses in the rugby scheme of things. To that add the disallowed Zane Kirchner try which appeared to this observer to be legitimate in its construction and execution. It might have made a massive difference in the final quarter and yet anything but a Connacht victory would have been a travesty.

So where do you begin to analyse one of the greatest days in the history of Irish rugby? Having travelled over with former Connacht greats in Brendan Moran, Noel Mannion and Noel McCarthy, and then bumping into Joe Healy and Mick Molloy along the way, the first thing I encountered when entering Murrayfield - in better nick than ever, I might add - was a magnificent banner stating, "Today this could be . . . the greatest day of our lives". Gary Barlow would have approved because for so many what followed was, in a sporting context, just that.

A quick aside in relation to Waterford-based utility back Moran. Upon finding it difficult to acquire a Connacht shirt in his native city for the trip (Alfie Hale take note), he hit the attic and dug out an old Connacht jersey from his playing days. Not alone did it still fit - how envious we are - but given the reaction I suspect a new market in retro shirts is already under way!

As for former great, and I mean GREAT, second-row stalwart Healy, suffice to say that he and I almost caused a major incident back in Montrose. Sitting alongside each other in the media position at Murrayfield (he for Galway Bay FM) we instantaneously jumped up and embraced at the final scrum with about a minute to go. In the moment we pulled out every connection to Dublin. It was typical of the day. As emotional occasions go, this was up there with Joe Connolly and the late great Joe McDonagh bringing Liam west of the Shannon in 1980.

John Muldoon and his heroes of 2016 are now in that iconic sporting category. What can we add to everything that has already been said regarding Saturday's on-field heroics? Let me start at the end by saying that were a combined team to be selected on the basis of performance alone, I'm not sure too many Leinster players would make that cut.

The props maybe on the basis of a superior Leinster scrum but tell me Ronan Loughney and Finlay Bealham didn't play their part in a consummate team performance.

Bear in mind that Connacht didn't catch Leinster cold. It was the four-time Pro12 winners that hit the ground running, yet Connacht eased their way into the match oblivious to the occasion and produced as good an opening 40 as we have witnessed from any team anywhere this season.

Were it the Crusaders, the Chiefs or the Highlanders on our TVs on a Saturday morning delivering that level of 'total rugby', we would be eulogising unconditionally.

From Loughney to Tiernan O'Halloran and beyond they were all brilliant. That said were an Irish team being picked on the basis of Saturday's final being an Ireland Trial, then O'Halloran, Niyi Adeolokun (has he come on in every possible respect), Matt Healy and yes, despite his age, the man of the match Muldoon too would have to be in the mix.

Mention also of AJ MacGinty. I have watched young Alan develop in his time at Blackrock school and club and while he has still to fine-tune his kicking out of hand to the level required (he knows that better than any), in terms of dedication to achieving that rugby-playing goal he is a fantastic role model.

On Saturday, given the context, and up against Johnny Sexton, I thought he was superb and on the day outplayed the maestro. His loss will be significant when he goes to Sale and yet Pat Lam has Craig Ronaldson, Jack Carty, Shane O'Leary, not to mention the soon-to-arrive Springbok out-half Marnitz Boshoff, lining up to get in.

Last but not least I think it is most appropriate to acknowledge what Lam (below) has achieved at the Sportsground. In the process he has restored my faith in rugby, the game invented to run.

He is a man of great humility but in pure coaching terms has proved beyond all doubt that where there is a will there is most definitely a way.

Perhaps, I can sum it up best by saying that it felt proud to be an Irish man leaving Murrayfield on Saturday.

Saints to benefit from 'Generation x' event

On Saturday, August 27, just about the time the new rugby season is kicking into gear, Rugby Generation X will be taking place at the Aviva Stadium.

Rugby Generation X will bring together coaches, parents and their children to provide an insight into how best to create positive and long-lasting influences on kids who have a desire to play and enjoy their rugby at a safe and competitive level.

Players attending the conference will be between the ages of 13 to 17. They will get detailed understanding of the key areas which influence their development, including: Positive Mental Health & Fitness; Strength & Conditioning; Nutrition & Healthy Eating; Sports Injury Prevention & Management. Rugby Generation X will be opened by Joe Schmidt followed by presentations and workshops from leading experts.

The beneficiary will be Liberty Saints RFC, the club that was established in 2007 with a vision to see South Inner City Dublin rejuvenated. They do this by equipping and building up young players to overcome all limitations imposed on them through social disadvantage. Registration and further information can be got on www.rugbygenerationx.ie.