Speaking about the event afterwards O'Callaghan said, It was a great occasion for me. I was so proud to be representing my province and my club. My wife Carol and my mother Marie were over for the game, which just added to the occasion. I felt I played reasonably well and Killian had a great game. Doddie Weir was the captain and he spoke about the pride and passion in the jersey before the game. He said it was like playing for your country and he was right. It is something I will never forget.
As is their tradition the Barbarians concentrated on running rugby and spurned the opportunity to win the match when penalty chances - and there were plenty - were presented. Oh yes, we could have won the match in the end," O'Callaghan said, " because we had six or seven penalties in kickable positions but we just tapped and went instead. It was typical Baba's rugby, running it from everywhere."The crowd gave us a standing ovation at the end of it.
With nothing at stake except pride and tradition, O'Callaghan and Keane found themselves in the unlikely position of being able to immerse themselves in what was a great occasion from start to finish. That was the great thing about it, confirmed O'Callaghan,there was no AIL points, no Celtic League or Heineken Cuppoints at stake so we were able to go out and enjoy the pomp and ceremony as well as the game.
The preparation for the game was also a little unusual or certainly somewhat removed from what either have experienced when preparing for the club or provincial games as Keane explained.
