The Irish Independents' Hugh Farrelly looks at the worth of Paul O'Connell to Ireland.
"You think back a year and a half, and the doom-mongers were out in force. Rumours have found a natural home online and the internet was throbbing to tales of Paul O'Connell's demise.
The debilitating effects of his groin injury complete with misdiagnoses and false dawns had been stretched out over most of 2010 and there was wild speculation as to whether he would ever return or, if he did, whether he would be the same player as before.
Those doubts have been cast to the wind as, rejuvenated by the extended break, O'Connell grew into 2011 and finished the year restored to his omnipotent best, a key component of Ireland's best World Cup moments and Munster's storming start to the Heineken Cup.
Yesterday's contract announcement -- following on swiftly from his confirmation as stand-in captain for Brian O'Driscoll -- confirms as much and the player, who turned 32 in October, has two years to re-emphasise his ongoing provincial and national importance."
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