Declan Kidney had big boots to fill when he replaced the departing Eddie O’Sullivan as Ireland rugby union coach on this day in 2008.

But Kidney, who had led Munster to two Heineken Cup triumphs, made a stunning start to his reign which would last five years and encompass some of Ireland’s biggest modern highs and lows. The PA News Agency investigates.

Stunning start

Rugby Union – RBS Six Nations Championship 2009 – Wales v Ireland – Millennium Stadium
Brian O’Driscoll celebrated Ireland’s first Grand Slam in 61 years (David Jones/PA)

World Cup heroes

Rugby Union – IRB Rugby World Cup 2011 – Pool C – Australia v Ireland – Eden Park
Ireland celebrated a famous World Cup win over Australia (David Davies/PA)

Agony against All Blacks

Dan Carter
Dan Carter broke Irish rugby hearts in 2012 (David Davies/PA)

Azzurri embarrassment

Italy
An embarrassing Six Nations defeat to Italy sealed Declan Kidney’s fate (Niall Carson/PA)

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