Milestone

Slideshow: 27 images from record setter Donncha O’Callaghan’s Munster career

The second row enjoyed a proud moment during last night’s victory over Zebre.
12.00pm, 16 Feb 2014
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DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN SET a new record as Munster’s most capped player of all time when he made his 241st appearance for the province in last night’s 36-8 win over Zebre.

Having already played for the province 19 times this season, the second row looks likely to drive that total even higher in the coming months. O’Callaghan’s landmark moment came at Musgrave Park, where he also made his Munster debut in 1998 against the now-defunct Edinburgh Reivers.

The 34-year-old has outlasted clubs, meaning current head coach Rob Penney believes O’Callaghan can continue playing until he is close to 40. Here are some of the memorable moments from the Cork man’s Munster incredible career. Hopefully there are more to come.

Slideshow: 27 images from record setter Donncha O’Callaghan’s Munster career
1 / 27

  • Already barking out orders in Munster colours in 2000.

    Source: ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

  • Part of the heart-breaking loss to Stade Francais in the 2001 Heineken Cup semi-final.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • But enjoying a 2003 H Cup quarter-final victory at Welford Road.

    Source: INPHO

  • Baggy jerseys and shaggy hair; vintage O'Callaghan in action against Bourgoin in 2004.

    Source: INPHO

  • Recuperation is vital in Donners' training schedule.

    Source: INPHO

  • Thanks the fans after helping Munster to dismantle Leinster in 2006.

    Source: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

  • Before finally winning the Heineken Cup final for the first time in 2006.

    Source: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

  • Offering a prayer after that win over Biarritz.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • Best mates...

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • He scores tries too you know.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • That unforgettable short-less incident against Cardiff in 2006.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • Conditions haven't always been ideal.

    Source: ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

  • Playing up the the perception.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • Another Heineken Cup success in 2008.

    Source: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

  • A Magners League success followed in 2009.

    Source: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

  • O'Callaghan has more to his game than smashing rucks, as he shows against Biarritz in 2010.

    Source: James Crombie

  • Donncha's power at scrum time has been undervalued over the years.

    Source: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

  • Another Magners League win in 2009, this time after beating Leinster in the final.

    Source: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

  • 2011's Heineken Cup loss to Toulon was hard to take.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • O'Callaghan awaits line-out ball in 2011.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • The second row has always been superb with fans like young Natasha Rose.

    Source: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

  • Or this bunch of future Munster stars at Tralee RFC in 2012.

    Source: ©INPHO/James Crombie

  • Popping up out wide; Rob Penney says O'Callaghan's skills have come to the fore in recent seasons,

    Source: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

  • Still a vital cog; O'Callaghan had made 19 appearances this season for the province.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • Setting a new record for Munster against Zebre last night.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • Deserved congratulations from his teammates.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

  • A proud evening for the O'Callaghan clan.

    Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

What has stood out about O’Callaghan’s time with Munster in your opinion?

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