Paul also won a Munster junior cup medal in 1993.

After a most enjoyable playing career Paul decided to finish as a player the morning after winning his third cup medal. "We beat Cork Con in the final, in Cork, and I decided it was time to retire" he said.

But ending his playing career did not mean saying goodbye to rugby. "I was asked to coach the Garryowen under 20 side. I had no experience but a great group of players won the All-Ireland league that season.

After that he sat the IRFU coaching exams and became head coach with the Dooradoyle club. "Again I, and Killian Keane, had the opportunity to coach a great group of players led by Paul Neville, a great captain, and we had great fun on our way to winning the Ail and the Munster Cup last season. It was a pleasure to be involved with such a dedicated group of players all of whom are great friends with each other" he said.

I asked Paul to nominate the most enjoyable game he ever played in. "I will always remember my firdst senior cup final against Young Munster. It was my first year back in Limerick and with Garryowen and Young Munster had won the AIL a few weeks prior to the final. It was a fantastic occasion and we won 12-5" he said.

I then asked Paul for his biggest disappointment. "That would have to be the day we lost the All Ireland League final against Cork Constitution after extra time" was his reply.

Next I asked him who was the best he had played with and Paul had no hesitation in nominating Philip Danaher. His toughest opponent was Christy (porky) McNamara of St. Mary's. But the best player he ever saw was Keith Wood.

Having won the AIL as player and coach I asked his views on the future of the competition. "The top division will have to be cut to ten or twelve clubs to include all the squad players, professionals, semi-professionals and academy players being involved with those clubs. The decision must be made at the top level and they should distribute the players to the clubs. There should also be provincial leagues with promotion to and from the AIL with the provincial league winners being involved in play-offs and the eventual winner would replace the bottom club in the AIL. That would raise standards all round and make the club game more attractive" he said.

He admits that the huge crowds who attended AIL games in the past will not return. "The best, best, players will always be involved in European cup action and that is what people want to watch more than anything else" he said.

Paul's parents, Joss and Roberta, are both natives of Cork but live in Dublin. He has one brother, John, and one sister, Roberta.

On the golfing front Paul plays off a 14 handicap at Dromoland Castle.

A man who is a credit to rugby Paul remains involved as a committee member with Garryowen.

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