Tomas O’Leary

“It’s brilliant news for me and all the lads in the Munster squad - we’ve got a good contingent in the Lions,” he told TV3 Sport. There was no advance warning. I was just in the gym in Cork, doing a bit of training. We turned on Sky, there was a bit of a crowd around. I heard the name, there was a bit of relief and I was delighted obviously.It’s the ultimate goal and amibition of rugby players from these parts to get selected and play for the Lions. It’s a bit of dream alright. It’s a big bonus to get on the tour and hopefully it’ll go well for me.”

He added: “It’s a massive honour for Munster (to get eight players selected). But we’ve a lot to concentrate on for the next few weeks and the end of the season, and already Friday night is creeping up.

“Our focus will be on the Scarlets on Friday night. Obviously we’ve put ourselves in contention for the Magners League and Heineken Cup and we don’t want to let that drift by.”

Describing the prospect of playing for the Lions as a ‘huge honour and privilege’, O’Leary was asked if being selected for the Lions was in his mind when he approached the season and as the weeks and matches went by.

“I suppose it’s always in the back of your mind but you can never have it to the forefront of your mind, because obviously there’s a process where you have to play for Munster and Ireland and play well in all these games.

“If you don’t play well week by week, you’re not going to achieve anything long term. The old mantra, taking it game by game, stands true,” he admitted.

Tomás on Alan Quinlan’s and Keith Earls’ inclusion:

“It’s well deserved for them. Quinny’s been in flying form the last few weeks and Earlsy has had a stormer of a season. They’re two great players and two great fellas to have in the camp definitely.”

Ronan O Gara

“In 2001 and 2005 you kinda got a tip-off about being in the tour squad but this time there was nothing,” he told TV3 Sport.

“I was kicking and then I kinda wanted to continue kicking but then I got a bit nervous around 1.30pm, so I asked Dougie (Howlett) to turn on the radio in his jeep so we could listen to it on the side of the pitch.

”That’s exactly what today means. It’s a hugely exciting time and it’s a tour you want to be on.

”It’s just a great day for Munster and Ireland with the amount of players involved. Once that happens, the goals will change with trying to win the Test series.”

“It brings a smile to my face. I’m really happy at the moment and it should be a really good tour. I must pay tribute to the coaches we have at Munster now. An untalked-about backs coach in Jason Holland, highly rated, young and ambitious. And then the two Australians, led by Tony McGahan. His work ethic and the values he brings to this squad has brought us up to a new level. All the players, a lot of us are seasoned pros at this stage, admire him for that.”

Ronan on Alan Quinlan’s and Keith Earls’ inclusion:

“It’s unbelieveable. I have to say I was surprised obviously with Alan. I was talking to him last week about it, but he just laughed at me and said ‘no chance’. Typical Quinny.

“It just shows you. I read during the week that the Lions management said that there were 12 places up for grabs and that form was crucial.

“The boys put in exceptional performances against the Ospreys, watched by (Warren) Gatland and Rob Howley, and that obviously came into their favour.

“But they’ve track records obviously. Alan’s 34, 35 now, I think, and he’s done it week in, week out. He’s the kind of player you need on tour. He’s abrasive, he’s tough and he agitates the opposition. That’s exactly what you need.

“Keith Earls has been a revelation this year. He’s only in his first season of international rugby. His attitude is exceptional, he’s just so willing to learn and so humble and I think those values will really stand to him. Don’t be surprised if you see him in the Test team.”

“I rate Stephen (Jones) and think he’s a good player. But you have to back yourself and give yourself the best opportunity you can.

”I’m going to enjoy the tour. Obviously there’s so much rugby to be played between now and then, but it’s a tour to be enjoyed.

”Looking through it, at first glance, there’s some good characters in the squad. There’ll be a good will to win.”

Ronan on Paul O’Connell as captain:

“With Paul (O’Connell) as captain, he has some great attributes and they will come to the fore. I was listening to him on the radio being introduced as captain, and it was only then when it hit home what an honour it is.

”It’s a proud day for his school and his club and his wonderful parents and the people of Limerick. No better man to lead the Lions.”

“The most important thing is we bond as a group. As players, we respect each other and buy into it. We won’t know each other that well and will have a short space of time to get it right. If we just have a belief that we can go and win it then these things can happen, as we’ve seen with other events this year.”