Saturday night's clash between Munster and Ospreys at Thomond Park represents Alan Quinlan's 200th appearance for the province, writes Gerry Thornley of the Irish Times.
"Akin to the even more low-key John Hayes, the other old-timer in the Munster squad, Alan Quinlan, doesn’t like too much of a fuss being made of him. Unlike the Bull, however, the Mighty Quinny tends to attract attention. That’s been his way, and this evening there’ll be no avoiding it.
"Tonight, fittingly at Thomond Park, marks his 200th game for Munster. Quite a landmark. The boy from Clanwilliam done well. He’s had his tough times. He’s had more than his share of injuries. He’s occasionally fought the law too and, of course, the law has won. But that’s been his way too.
"He’s a total one-off; a throwback to the last days of the amateur era, a product of junior club rugby in Tipperary and Shannon’s peerless talent identification and player development. You could never pigeon-hole Quinlan. Aside from the lineout dexterity, the tackling and ball-carrying, he’s an innate footballer, who reads the game, comes up with the big plays – be it a quick tap, a well-timed pick-and-go, a catch as an auxiliary fullback or even a kick ahead - that influences games."
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