ConnachtÕs most capped player still going strong

Date Published: {J}

WHEN the Galway Sports Stars Award winners were announced recently, an extremely popular choice was Connacht’s energetic and long serving second row forward, Michael Swift.

On Saturday night, January 22, Swift will receive his accolade at a black-tie banquet at the Ardilaun Hotel and the big man is delighted to be honoured at Galway’s premier sports awards ceremony. “It’s fantastic,” beams Swift, “especially when it is judged by local people; people who know what they are talking about because week in, week out they watch us in action.”

Indeed, when it came to selecting the rugby recipient, it did not take the local press corps long to finalise the name of Michael Swift. Over the past 12 months, his displays have been nothing short of tremendous, with his magnificent try in the victory over Leinster at the Sportsground last April one of the sporting highlights of 2010.

London born to Irish parents, Swift, who is the most capped Connacht player of all time, moved to Galway 11 years ago and since then he has not looked back. Indeed, at a time when many players of his age – 33 years – might be considering winding down their playing careers, Swift continues to go from strength to strength.

So much so, the 6ft 5ins star has become a crowd favourite at the Sportsground – almost securing cult status – and he admits he gets an adrenalin boost when the name of ‘Swifty’ is shouted from the terraces. “I am probably not the most graceful rugby player in the world, but the fans do seem to appreciate the effort I put in,” says the affable giant.

“We always say it though – it has been said since Day One when I arrived in 2000 – whenever you stick a Connacht jersey on, that green jersey has to be honoured by endeavour and team spirit. It is those qualities that will get you through. We might not always have had the most talented squads in the past, but we won matches because of our endeavour. And, to be honest, if you don’t give 100% for Connacht, you will soon be found out, not only by the management but, more importantly, by the supporters. They will soon let you know,” he laughs.

If Connacht followers appreciate anything though, it is a good, honest effort and, really, Eric Elwood’s charges have not been all that far away in many of their games this season. Yes, they lie second from bottom in the Magners League, but just a couple of more wins would have seen them shoot up to mid-table by this stage.

In fact, underlining the competitiveness of the side this season is the fact that they have amassed seven bonus points from their 12 games to date. That’s three more bonus points than they claimed throughout their 18 games last season. “It just shows you how close we are. So, in that respect, there is progression, but obviously we would like to get a few more ‘W’s next to our column,” says Swift.

“The games this season have been coming thick and fast and we have had to just keep looking forward. Now, we have to trust ourselves that we will turn it around and I am confident that some team, sooner rather than later, is going to get it. Hopefully, it will be this weekend.”

However, it remains to be seen just how Connacht will fare away to French outfit Bayonne in the Amlin Cup this Saturday – particularly as the team’s race seems to be run in the European competition at this stage. “Qualification [for the knockout stages], now, is probably not going to happen,” concedes Swift.

“However, if you go away to France with the mentality of ‘well, we have nothing to play for’, then you are going to get an absolute hiding. I mean, there is not a more hostile place to travel to than an away game in France.

“Also, I think they were a bit aggrieved at the result here – a 16-13 home win for Connacht – so we are expecting a bit of a battle out there. We are also on a bit of a losing streak at the moment, so regardless of the competition, a win is a win and we need to get a ‘W’ beside our name.”

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.