Malcolm O'Kelly - Thanks Big Man

[Sandrine]

Thank you Big Mal for all those years. You will be missed!!

[T.C.B.]

Not another one!!!

Yet another great player for both Ireland and Leinster is calling it a day. It has been an honour to watch Big Mal over the years. We'll miss you Mal. You giant ledgebag.

[Degz]

Big respect for the big man. Jeez, it ridiculous, I can hardly remember when he made his debut. Feb '95? I was ten. Fifteen years at the top. Class. A great guy off the pitch too. Remember him having time to talk to the few of us who went over to Rodney Parade this year after he was subbed.

All the best for the future Mal

[jimtownjimmy]

I'll never forget the look on Julian White's face when he connected twice with Big Mal's chin and all Mal did was look at him as if nothing had happened.

A true Hard Man and a Legend!

[Peg Leg]

Cheers Mal,
Dont know how you have stayed with the pace all these years. You must have grease gun points for your joints!
Dont forget, when they are handing you and Girve the trophy, Grivre cant reach that high!

Thanks.

[Vamos los azules]

Apart from all the great stuff on the pitch Mal has provided a lot of amusement off the pitch - his antics to get himself the seat with the most legroom on a flight are hilarious and away trips won't be half as much fun without the potential for that entertainment.

Thanks for the memories Mal and all the best for the future.

[[Jackass]]

Legend second row for Ireland and Leinster, he'll be missed.

Thanks for all the memories big man, and what a career. Sound man to boot having chatted to him outside the Duke pub last xmas eve.

[FLIP]

Big Mal!

[Blue Voodoo]

It just will not be the same without Big Mal - for so long the backbone of not just the Leinster team but Ireland as well

Thanks for all the years of highlights and happy memories - a superb athelete , a brilliant line out operator and genuine hard man .

Good luck with the engineering or whatever career you pursue after the pro rugby

[munsterleinster]

Great player! Best of luck to him!

[fungalboy]

quality stuff Big Man! thanks for hte memories (anybody remember the line out steal 5M out from the Itlian line + flop over to score?)

At least he bows out at the top with a load of meadals (1 more to go) and a tee shirt!

[Danthefan]

That's a world class lineout lift if ever I've seen one.

[Eve]

Great picture Digger


End of an era - thanks for everything Mal - here's hoping we send you on your way with one final piece of silverware

[BlueBalls]

The end of an era.
A truly great player and one who will be deeply missed.
Along side The Swerve he is LEINSTER. Thanks for everything over the last 15 years.
All the best to you and your family in what lies ahead

[Donny B.]

One of the great second rows of his generation, that perhaps didn't get the credit he was due because of his laid back manner. I'd almost forgotten that Mal made his Ireland debut as a London Irish player. It was when we signed him back for the beginning of the 99-00 season that we knew Leinster was finally getting serious. Over the years he's been a massive presence in the team and one of the best poachers of lineout ball there's ever been.

All the best for the future!

[dropkick]

Well past his 'best before' date and should have retired a few years ago but he was good for Irish rugby.

[Danthefan]

Well past his 'best before' date and should have retired a few years ago but he was good for Irish rugby.

Before he bitchslapped Munster around Croke Park and then won a HEC medal, last season? Go away you clown.

[T.C.B.]

That's a world class lineout lift if ever I've seen one.

Lift? He's actually that tall.

[Topcat73]

Well past his 'best before' date and should have retired a few years ago but he was good for Irish rugby.

And tell Mick O driscoll to give Mal back his 6N's medal while your at it.

[Edna Kenny]

Thanks Big Mal,

My favourite memory is the try saving tackle against England

Least favourite memory was when he stood in front of me at the Radiohead gig in Marlay park! He is a very useful reference point in a crowd though.