Conor Murray faced a week of personal tribulations in the build-up to Ireland v France, after a road accident left father Gerry fighting serious injuries in hospital in Cork.
The road accident - which occurred when Gerry was cycling in Limerick on Tuesday - meant Murray departed the Ireland camp midweek, before returning ahead of Friday's Captain's Run in the Aviva Stadium.
Despite the challenges faced by the family midweek, Conor Murray showed incredible strength to take his place in Ireland's starting XV for Saturday's crunch game with France - and put in an absolutely mega shift in a famous win for Ireland.
Johnny Sexton praises Conor Murray for role in Ireland win v France
Most pundits would have agreed pre-match that the fate of this year's Six Nations championship rested on Saturday's blockbuster showdown between Ireland and France in Dublin.
For the first time ever, the #1 and #2 ranked teams in World Rugby met each other in a Six Nations game, and it did not disappoint. A scintillating first-half saw Ireland go in at the break six points ahead, after brilliant try-scoring, as well as some controversy in the first 40 minutes.
Ireland would kick on in the second half, and ultimately won out by 32 points to 19 to make a massive statement in Dublin.
Conor Murray may have been called off for Craig Casey early in the second-half, but he was a standout force in Ireland's attacking play in the opening 40.
11 February 2023; Hugo Keenan of Ireland, left, celebrates with teammates Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray after scoring his side's first try during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and France at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Wayne Barnes Rightly Hammered For Farcical French Red Card Non-Decision
The Munster scrum-half started for the second week in a row, after a pre-tournament injury to Jamison Gibson-Park, and did so against the backdrop of a tremendously difficult week for his family.
Murray's father Gerry was seriously injured in a road accident early this week, with coaches Andy Farrell and John Fogarty paying tribute to Conor's strength in returning to the camp ahead of Saturday's massive game.
Even in normal circumstances, Murray would have been praised for his performance against France, but the circumstances in which it came only made it more impressive from the 33-year-old.
His captain and half-back partner Johnny Sexton would pile the praise on Murray during his full-time media duties, saying:
Unbelievable really, isn't it. It's a mark of the character and the player. In my eyes, he's always been a class operator... Amazing, really, that he could show up today, be so calm and perform the way he did.
It's a mark of the character and player. In my eyes, he's always been world-class and changed the game in many ways for scrum-halves.
Murray received a special reception from the Irish fans ahead of kick-off, and a standing ovation when he was subbed off for Craig Casey in the second-half, after a superb performance.
🏉 Extra special cheer here at the Aviva Stadium when Conor Murray's name is called as part of team announcements for todays meeting of Ireland & France in @SixNationsRugby Big French crowd in town it has to be said #LLSport #IREvFRA#MunsterRugby ☘️ 🇫🇷 🏟 pic.twitter.com/Ch8Zz7aCOZ
— Colm Kinsella (@ckSportLeader) February 11, 2023
READ HERE: Brian O’Driscoll Dumbfounded By Wayne Barnes Refusal To Award France Red Card
Pre-match, the RTÉ punditry team had praised Conor Murray - not only for his strength in returning to the squad, but in proving he deserved to regain his place in Ireland's starting XV.
Former Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip said pre-match:
I'm delighted that he's getting another start here, his 50th in the Six Nations. He's the best passer in the game, he's the best nine in the game. I know there's other nines that look faster around the field, but you ask any ten who they want on the inside of them, and it's Conor Murray.
To show the mental strength to turn up with the week he has had - I would not want to be playing against that man today.
There was widespread praise for the Munsterman on Twitter at full-time.
Conor Murray has been excellent again for Ireland.
Some performance so far after the week he's had.— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) February 11, 2023
You really have to hand it to Conor Murray. An incredibly tough week in his personal life, but he still showed up and is knocking it out of the park. A real sign of a team player #IREvFRA
— Shauna (@ShaunaKiely_) February 11, 2023
Some set of liathróidí on Conor Murray to put in a performance like that after the week he’s had ☘️☘️
— Matty Condon (@MattyCondon) February 11, 2023
What a game of rugby. So proud watching this team today. Especially feeling it for Conor Murray ☘️#IREvFRA
— Niall Power (@mrniallpower) February 11, 2023
What a performance from @ConorMurray_9 with the week he has had. Well played sir well played. Praying for his Dad. #IREvFRA
— Graeme Murray (@murraygraeme) February 11, 2023
Conor Murray getting back to his best this tournament. Great to see.
— Ciaron Noble (@CiaronNoble98) February 11, 2023
Heroic display from conor murray given the week he has had
— rory (@dubgaa14) February 11, 2023
Conor Murray ❤️❤️ Man is showing his worth for the 2nd week in a row. World cup starter. Give that man a try. #SUAF #IREvFRA
— Maeve Brennan (@MaeveyMc92) February 11, 2023
Conor Murray would be having a brilliant game by any common metrics but what he's doing out there under the circumstances is far from common. Some man 💪☘ #GuinnessSixNations #IREvFRA #COYBIG
— Del McG (@DelMcG) February 11, 2023
Good luck to @IrishRugby against France today!
A special mention to @ConorMurray_9 who has been doing Munster proud on the international stage for almost 12 years & earns his 102nd Ireland cap today.
We wish his father Gerry well & a speedy recovery.#IREvFRA #SUAF 🔴 pic.twitter.com/UGMYQL39QD— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 11, 2023
Against the backdrop of a desperately difficult week for his family, Conor Murray once again proved his immense worth at the top level of world rugby. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Gerry and the entire Murray family.
SEE ALSO: Watch: Tears For Johnny Sexton During Anthems Ahead Of Mega France Clash
