On this day in 2008: Declan Kidney appointed Ireland coach

The former Munster boss had big boots to fill.

Published May 14, 2020

Declan Kidney had big boots to fill when he replaced the departing Eddie O’Sullivan as Ireland rugby union coach on this day in 2008.

But Kidney, who had led Munster to two Heineken Cup triumphs, made a stunning start to his reign which would last five years and encompass some of Ireland’s biggest modern highs and lows. The PA News Agency investigates.

Stunning start

Rugby Union – RBS Six Nations Championship 2009 – Wales v Ireland – Millennium Stadium — Brian O’Driscoll celebrated Ireland’s first Grand Slam in 61 years (David Jones/PA)

World Cup heroes

Rugby Union – IRB Rugby World Cup 2011 – Pool C – Australia v Ireland – Eden Park — Ireland celebrated a famous World Cup win over Australia (David Davies/PA)

Agony against All Blacks

Dan Carter broke Irish rugby hearts in 2012 (David Davies/PA)

Azzurri embarrassment

An embarrassing Six Nations defeat to Italy sealed Declan Kidney’s fate (Niall Carson/PA)