O’Driscoll makes ‘Guinness Book of Records’ appearance

Brian O'Driscoll scarcely needs more accolades, but he is about to appear in the Guinness Book of Records for the first time.

O’Driscoll’s final season in an Irish shirt has helped him surpass former Australia scrumhalf George Gregan’s record of 139 international appearances.

O’Driscoll finished his career with 141 appearances, comprising 133 caps for his country and eight for the British and Irish Lions in 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013.

The former Ireland centre was presented with his Guinness World Records certificate in London yesterday.

He said: “I am delighted to have made it into this year’s Guinness World Records book. It is a childhood dream achieved.”

He is one of a number of high-profile Irish sportsmen in the new edition, which will be launched next week.

Rory McIlroy has the record for the lowest total score for 72 holes at the US Open, with a scorecard boasting 268 (65, 66, 68, 69).

In the process, he simultaneously broke the record for the lowest score in relation to par in a US Open, shooting 16-under.

Multiple UK champion jockey Tony McCoy appears for having the most jump racing wins in a season (289 in 2001-2002) and the most horseracing wins in a career (4,106 between March 1992 and April this year).

Quirky

The

Guinness Book of Records

also contains a number of quirky sporting records.

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic's wind-assisted goal against Southampton in last season's Premier League match broke the record for the longest goal-scoring distance , at 91.9 metres.

The record for the most red cards in a match goes to the players and substitutes of Atlético Claypole and Victoriano in Argentina. Thirty-six players were sent off by the referee after a mass brawl in 2011.

Cristiano Ronaldo has got one over on Lionel Messi for the most Champions League goals in a calendar year. He scored 15 in 2013.

Ronaldo has also secured the record for the most Twitter followers for an athlete. The total is in excess of 29 million.

Katy Perry, however, is the most followed person on Twitter with more than 56.4 million followers.