Ian McKinley Thanks Jack McGrath For Classy Gesture After Italy Game
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Fair play.
Former Leinster playmaker Ian McKinley unfortunately didn’t make the Italy squad when they took on Ireland a couple of weeks back. But he still left Dublin with a pretty class memento.
For those of you not aware of who Ian McKinley is and his story, I’ll give you a brief rundown. After losing sight in one of his eyes back in 2011, the Irishman was forced to retire from rugby.
Three years later he decided to try and make a comeback by playing in the lower tiers of Italian rugby. One thing led to another, and he ended up back in the professional game with Benetton Treviso in the PRO14.
Last year he then fulfilled his international ambitions and made his Test debut for Italy. A truly remarkable story that’s almost movie worthy.
He would have been devastated not to make the Italy team for their clash with Ireland, in what would have been the perfect homecoming. But he will however, look back fondly on that day thanks to Jack McGrath.
McKinley travelled with the squad as the 24th man, and McGrath went out of his way to give the Italian international his jersey after the game.
It may be a bit big, but a mighty fine gesture nonetheless.
Big thanks to @jackmc100 for giving me his jersey last week after the Ireland v Italy game.Might take me a while to fit into the 2xl but it’s really appreciated bud. Good luck this weekend👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/frM7lJVU8j
— Ian McKinley (@ianmck7) February 20, 2018
My pleasure bud!! Bit more bread and wine you’ll fit in it just fine 😂 🍷 🥖
— Jack McGrath (@jackmc100) February 20, 2018