O'Driscoll praised as role model

IRISH RUGBY captain Brian O’Driscoll was officially made an honorary southsider by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council last night.

The council awarded the civic honour to the sportsman who grew up in Clontarf in north Dublin.

“I am at heart a northsider but at the same time I schooled in Blackrock and subsequently I live over here. It’s an adaptation of the southside of me,” Mr O’Driscoll told reporters.

Mr O’Driscoll said he was “honoured” to be given the award and explained his affinity with the area.

“I love this part of the city, it’s where I see my home now,” he said. Referring to his wife, actor and author Amy Huberman, he said: “I married a southside girl myself and I just love where we live. I love the area and I love everything it gives me.”

Council cathaoirleach Lettie McCarthy (Labour) said the sportsman was “only a baby” when born on the northside so he had no choice. “When he reached the right age he moved to the southside,” she added.

The local authority also awarded the first Brian O’Driscoll Rugby Scholarship to Andrew Boyle of University College Dublin’s rugby team.

The bursary, worth some €5,000, will be given by the council each year to help a young rugby player in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown to attend UCD.

Mr O’Driscoll was a “good role model” for young people which was needed now more than ever when “all sections of society have let our youngsters down”, Ms McCarthy said.

Mr O’Driscoll emphasised the important role that sport had in tackling obesity and helping people to stay fit and healthy.

“Sport is not just a job but a life choice for me and other people. I believe in what I do. I believe it has a knock-on effect,” he said.