Here are some numbers for you.
275: the number of games John Muldoon has played with Connacht.
3: the number of Irish caps he has picked up in that time.
Even in a country with as rich a rugby history as Ireland, it is difficult to recall a player as inextricably woven with his province than Muldoon. He has been playing for Connacht since 2004: just three years after Connacht fans marched on the IRFU to lobby against their disbandment. His sheer ruggedness is reminiscent of the West which he has helped jolt awake.
At last, both captain and province have their validation, and to top it all off, Muldoon was Man of the Match in today's comprehensive 20-10 dismantling of Leinster. The Blues threatened towards the end, following a Sean Cronin try, but Connacht sealed victory with a superb Muldoon-secured turnover with five minutes remaining; a steal which seemed to suck the life out of Leinster.
Muldoon was emotional afterwards, saying that the title victory is his greatest achievement. He also took time out to say that he was delighted for Robbie Henshaw and that he is "welcome home" at some point in the future.Here is a portion of the reaction to Muldoon's moment:
A thrilling and beautiful victory for #Connacht rains gold on the fields of Athenry. John Muldoon an authentic warrior. #pro12final
— Roy Curtis (@RoyCurtis68) May 28, 2016
Watched sport my entire life & don't think I've ever seen anyone as emotional post-game as John Muldoon. Unbelievable passion for Connacht.
— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) May 28, 2016
John Muldoon's doing his best to reduce the population of Ireland to blubbery mess. What a leader.
— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) May 28, 2016
Delighted for, more than anyone, John Muldoon. What a servant he's been to Connacht for so many years.
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) May 28, 2016
Tears of joy for John Muldoon. Brilliant scenes.
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) May 28, 2016
They have this in Shannon airport. We should put one of John Muldoon in the Square. #epic #connachtabu #goodtimes pic.twitter.com/kDdrkkd7Zs
— Cllr. Mike Cubbard (@Mcubbard) May 28, 2016
John Muldoon staring a hole through Jamie Heaslip, @Nigelrefowens couldn't watch - Connacht won at this point 😂 pic.twitter.com/TtOcI0bXTN
— Daniel Pitcher (@DanPitchside) May 28, 2016
Superb. We are even allowing John put the Pro12 title above his 2013 Balls.ie Beard Bracket Award.
See Also: Watch: Pat Lam Further Captures The Hearts Of A Nation With Post-Match Cúpla Focail
See Also: LISTEN: The Breathless Galway Bay FM Commentary That Brilliantly Sums Up Connacht's Victory
