And why would they? Just look at the smiles of the established Irish rugby internationals as new cap, scrum half, Craig Casey belts out the George Michael classic. Great to see players having fun. Casey perseveres with his song to the delight of his new Ireland teammates as they joined in on the chorus.
The young Munster scrum-half came off the bench in Rome for Jamison Gibson-Park in Ireland’s 48-10 win over Italy. Ireland’s Ryan Baird also came on to win his first cap for Ireland. Both players had fine games.
The 21 year old previously captained Irish U18 Schools and Munster U19, and he played a significant role in winning the U20 Six Nations Grand Slam. Ireland young gun Craig Casey living the dream after getting comparisons to Jonny Wilkinson’s dedication.
Ryan Baird came on for his debut at the same time in the 48-10 victory over Italy and, for their captain, Johnny Sexton, it was a seminal moment as he said ‘they will be at the forefront of Irish rugby for years to come’.
Compliment from Competing No.9
Casey replaced Jamison Gibson-Park who paid a wonderful tribute to Casey: “Yeah look he’s a great young lad, one of the work ethics I’ve seen in a young footballer…forever, probably, really,…….. I played with some good guys in New Zealand, obviously, but I don’t think they were ever as dedicated as he is.”
Thank You Federazione Italiana Rugby For Singing Our Song
I think I heard ‘The Fields Of Athenry’ (famous Irish song) being played through the stadium sound system in the last 5 minutes as Ireland had clearly won the game. What a nice gesture from #FIR
Have you any singsong stories in sport?
Please do tell us. In addition, post a comment (where it says ‘Leave a Reply’ at the very end (scroll down – don’t give up! We need your comment).
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Please do share these stories and/or post a comment – as this greatly helps to keep these stories in Google Search. Many thanks. Paul
For those of you that like Craig Casey’s rendition (complete with saxaphone!) of Careless Whisper by George Michael here is the man himself, the late great George Michael (RIP). Lyrics are posted below should anyone else want to join in with Craig next time. Thanks to Lansdowne FC’s , Munster man, Paddy Costigan for recommending George Michael’s non-pop albums many many moons ago. Thanks to Aran Smith for the clip. Congrats to Craig Casey and Ryan Baird yesterday.
Careless Whisper
The careless whispers of a good friend
To the heart and mind, ignorance is kind
There’s no comfort in the truth, pain is all that you’ll find
Should have known better, yeah
I feel so unsure
As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor
As the music dies, something in your eyes
Calls to mind a silver screen and all its sad goodbyes
I’m never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm
Though it’s easy to pretend, I know you’re not a fool
I should have known better than to cheat a friend
And waste a chance that I’d been given
So I’m never gonna dance again the way I danced with you
I’m never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm
Though it’s easy to pretend, I know you’re not a fool
I should have known better than to cheat a friend
And waste a chance that I’d been given
So I’m never gonna dance again the way I danced with you
Never without your love
Hilarious! Great performance by Casey given the pressure he was under from the boys. It’s a great tradition and what a memory for the players themselves. Thanks for sharing.
Yes Brian, indeed Casey’s performance on the pitch was great as was his performance in the dressing room. Boy that’s a difficult song to sing but he went for it & the lads supported him – brilliant! Seems like a real good vibe in the Irish dressing room.
I have no comment on Craig’s singing but I love the expressions of his team mates. They all look so happy, full of admiration for Craig and a wee bit love for him?
Funnily enough, Ruth, Craig’s first attempt hit the notes bang on, I think, and the whole Irish team appreciated it – you could hear the roar of approval he got from his very first line. Magical moment. I too, often find my second attempt ain’t as good as my first (!!) :).
He did very well for his 20 min debut. Quick thinker and fast release of ball at base of the ruck.Like to see him play along side Carberry for Munster. Coul be tha half back line for the future and World Cup.
Craig Casey is an exciting player who brings some zip to the game. Would be great, John, to see Carbery on his outside. Mind you Munster’s young 10, Healey, might come through soon also.
Thankfully his debut cap was better then his debut single! Great to see this social element of the game still remains at the highest level of international sport.
I wonder Aran do all teams still do this at top level?
Craig Casey – Congratulations! What an amazing performance – both on and off the pitch. Great voice! Excellent Sax too! So very talented!
Yes Loretto – he plays great shadow sax too. It was interesting to hear a room full of tough internationals break into spontaneous applause when they first heard his voice! Am disappointed he’s not on the bench tomorrow against England. Hope he gets another chance soon.
Great to see the young lad have the confidence to stand up and have a go at singing that song it’s a tough one. Do all first caps have to do something? Like playing 1st time for Wimpeys back in the day with the 3 man lift!!
Love to see him play with Cadbury, had his first outing in red Jersey for a long time after injury. He has such a sweet boot beautiful kicks down the line.
Confidence is critical Martin & Casey has it – his quick tap penalty + his extreme sidestep near the line – didn’t work but he kept the ball + he brought some zip to the side.
I’d say he was more nervous singing that song than waiting to come on for his first cap.
trying to hit those high notes Pat – more daunting than mount everest
Great video. It give hope for all of us who think we are Karaoke crooners. What it does show is friendship, support and team bonding. Good fun!
Agree Colm great to see fun as it seems like it is so rare these days in sport these days.
Haha great vid! Somehow missed this one at the time. Heres to many more caps for this talented young player!
Yes Aodhagan – young Casey is a real talent. Like you, I too hope he stays out of the X Factor and focuses on winning more caps as he deserves some more caps.