Irish rugby was badly in need of a good lift between the conclusion of Ireland's inglorious World Cup campaign and the start of the Six Nations Championship.

The Heineken European Cup presented a platform to the provinces to restore credibility. And just as Ulster's tremendous achievement last season in winning the European Cup gave Irish rugby, indeed Irish sport, a great boost, Munster's tour de force this season has helped us to get over the disappointment of the World Cup. However, what it - and the lesser but nonetheless significant feats of Leinster - must not and will not do, is to push aside the lessons learned last October.

It was an elevating and captivating experience to be in Thomond Park last Saturday. Another occasion to cherish among so many we have witnessed at this venue through the years. Another distinguished visiting team beaten, as has every team that has played against Munster at this ground in the European Cup. There is something extra special about Thomond Park. It has a unique atmosphere created by rugby supporters who love the game and are informed and enthusiastic about it. It was tremendous to see the will and the passion of the Munster players and the way they responded to the exhortations of the best rugby supporters in the land.

This was another example of what can be achieved when the spirit refuses to yield. The performance demonstrated the best characteristics of Irish rugby as we knew and loved it.

Munster's 100 per cent record in the Heineken Cup has hastened the develo pment of many fine young players. I have in mind such as Peter Stringer, Ronan O'Gara, Marcus Horan, David Wallace and Alan Quinlan.

No Munster player has played more consistently or effectively than Anthony Foley, now playing the best rugby of his career under the inspirational leadership of Mick Galwey. And what a pity that John Langford is not eligible for Ireland.

While it has been a disappointing campaign for defending champions Ulster, let us not forget some of the Leinster performances, most notably their three excellent home wins over Leicester, the reigning English champions, Stade Francais, and a good Glasgow team. Leinster's European Cup campaign has, I believe, been invaluable for players such as Peter McKenna, Shane Horgan and Robert Casey. The performances of all three have been duly and justly recognised by the Ireland management in their 45-man squad.

Players such as Victor Costello, Declan O'Brien and Shane Byrne must have entertained hopes of inclusion but did not make it. However I am glad to see Denis Hickie included; he is a player still short on confidence but not on ability and his inclusion should help psychologically. Malcolm O'Kelly can consider himself fortunate to be included. He is another player with ability, but the dip in his form this season indicated that he did not justify selection. The hope is that we will see him produce the kind of displays that not so long ago marked him out as a player with a bright future.

I am mystified that Messrs Gatland, Lenihan and O'Sullivan believe they have better wings at their disposal than Darragh O'Mahony, the forgotten man of Irish rugby. I also disagree with the omission yet again of Munster full back Dominic Crotty, in a position where we are not exactly laden with candidates of international quality.

On another matter, I want to express the hope that the IRFU and the officers of the Connacht Branch can come to a productive agreement on the difficulties in relation to the Connacht senior squad. The Connacht Branch has, quite correctly, been given exactly the same treatment as the other provinces in terms of player contracts, and back-up team and services and great progress has been made. Nothing has been more heartening than the increase in the number of schools now playing in the area.

However, if you are spending £1 million on a senior squad you do want a return for it. The Connacht team's results and performances have been very disappointing. There are players who have been contracted who have done little for Connacht.

Yet, the withdrawal of support is not the answer. Connacht has contributed some very good players to Ireland and continues to do so. But the whole contract area at provincial level needs examination. Earlier this season the Connacht management rejected the opportunity to get players from other provinces who were not in their provincial squads. Some of those players were infinitely better than some of those presently contracted.

IRFU and Branch officials were scheduled to meet again last Tuesday, but only two Connacht representatives turned up when it had been anticipated that there would be a much bigger delegation. Consequently the substantive issue had to be deferred.

Some attitudes and some personnel need to be changed in the west at squad and management levels. Contracts should not be easy or unearned money for inadequate players, and that must apply to all the provinces.

In conclusion, the death of the Clongowes Wood College coach Vinny Murray represents an immense loss to the game in this country. His contribution in Clongowes, Leinster and Ireland at schools level has been immense. I had a lot of dealings with Vinny and it was never less than a great pleasure to talk to him. He was a great sportsman and embodied all the very best characteristics of a great coach. Rugby can ill afford his loss.