Fans who have watched TG4's coverage of this season's PRO12 will have noticed Pat Lam's tendency to throw a courtesy 'go raibh míle maith agat' or similar to his post-match interviewer.
It's a simple quirk that has further endeared the Kiwi to an already adoring Connacht and Irish rugby fanbase, but one which also perfectly compliments Connacht's integration into society and involvement with their local communities in the west of Ireland.
An emotional Lam joined Marcus Horan not moments after the final whistle had blown on their historic 20-10 victory over Leinster at Murrayfield, and the 47-year-old didn't disappoint. In fact, he spoke more Irish than the former Munster prop.
"Lá bródúil do muintir #Connacht "-Pat Lam, Taispeántas iontach ó John Muldoon #connachtabu @Rugbai_BEO @co... https://t.co/mtz0WkLZrR
— Eoin Ó Súilleabháin (@eoinos) May 28, 2016
A proud day indeed for Connacht, who 16 years ago found themselves on the precipice of being disbanded by the IRFU, and today won their first ever league championship.
Pat Lam ag labhairt gaelige. 👏
Tis like the Queen in Dublin Castle. #Wow
What a man. A class act.
Comhghairdeas @connachtrugby #pro12final— Síle Seoige (@SileSeoige) May 28, 2016
Pat Lam speaking in Irish at start of interview on @TG4TV What a legend @connachtrugby #connachtabu #convlein
— Ian Cooney (@cooney_ian) May 28, 2016
Leis an laoch Pat Lam👌🏼 what a day! #convlein pic.twitter.com/tn4TvyOJBC
— Máire Treasa (@mairetreasa) May 28, 2016
