Most Connacht fans had heard the whispers and the rumors this week that Keith Matthews' latest injury would mark the end of this Connacht centurions' playing days. That terrible news was confirmed today by a press release from the Connacht Branch.
Keith joined from Munster 6 years ago, and his strong running lines and ferocious tackles quickly saw him become a regular starter for our Western province. In fact when most fans think of Keith it is remarkable how often his all round abilities are pointed out. He rarely lost the ball in contact, made a bad pass, went backwards in a tackle or chose the wrong line. Google "Keith Matthews tackle" and half the pictures are of him breaking them and half are of him making them.
He has had some spectacular hits and some spectacular line breaks. I personally will never forget the line break he made in the quarter final against Bourgoin in the Amlin Challenge Cup. From that off load he broke right through the center and fixed the remaining defenders to send Muldoon over for a try leading into half time. It gave the team the belief to win that match, and I still have my green foam hand from that day with "Connacht 23 - 20 Bourgoin April 10 2010" written along the side.
So thanks for that Keith, and for all the other great performances you gave for Connacht over your career in less glamourous fixtures.
"I didn't want any negativity to go around, either for the Quins game or the first home match against Toulouse, so I waited before I told the lads."
"It’ll be hard not playing anymore, standing in the terraces watching the guys play against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup and knowing I’ll never hear the roar of the crowd after a good break or a good tackle. That was one of things that really hit home and that was pretty tough but I have no regrets at all. I like to think that every time I pulled on the green jersey I gave it my best, yeah I made mistakes, I’m only human but I always gave it 100%"
Never in doubt.
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The Connacht Clan will be hosting some prestigious guests after the Treviso match this Friday and you the Connacht supporters will have a chance to put the questions that YOU want to ask to them. Our guests are:
- Dan McFarland
- Keith Matthews
- Johnny O'Connor
- Andrew Browne
The forum will get under way at 9:30 sharp (right after the final whistle) in the Clan Bar. Log onto www.ConnachtClan.com to post your question. You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as well, just include your question and your name (if you are brave enough!). If your question is read out on the night you could win a pint/soft-drink of your choice, and the best question will also win a prize.
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