Ireland coach Declan Kidney - a modest leader
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Brendan Fanning gets up close and personal to Ireland's inspirational coach Declan Kidney in The Irish Independent.
"At 9.21am, 39 minutes ahead of the appointed time, Declan Kidney texts to suggest a change of venue. He reckons the original choice is very busy and the alternative will be quieter. Hmm. What's he up to? How does he know it's busy - he's still at home isn't he? Has he rung ahead? More like trying to wreck my head. It's started already.
"I've arrived just as the text lands and check the place out. Sure enough there's a vets' convention - animal doctors not war veterans - and there's a fair bit of activity about the place. As it happens though we've rung the night before and the duty manager says the bar will be closed at that hour and he'll open it specially. Text back saying it's fine. He responds: 'Okay.' Not 'grand - see you there'. Just okay.
"He arrives bang on time looking cheery and making small talk. Warm handshake and a minute or two settling in as we rearrange the coffee and scones around the table. Then we get on with the next phase of the operation."
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