A season filled with genuine hope

God, what a difference a couple of months makes. It was not so long ago we were about to extend McGahan's tenure. The thoughts of this still give me sleepless nights. Now, I know the current camp has yet to prove that it is in any way better than what has just left, but sweet je$u$ it's good to be optimistic about Munster rugby again, and to listen to Penney's plans for the future.

Against Ulster we had 79% possession and didn't know what to do with it. We had 2 centres with no cover. Poor Keith could barely walk. We had a backrow with no bite. Our head-coach was about as inspiring as a bag of sawdust, and Dutchy Holland, thanks for the memories as a player, but dear God I don't recall a single backs move. Plus there was the added heartache that Dougie may have a limp for the rest of his life never mind play again. The injuries, the retirements, the Ospreys... what did we do to deserve it all?

Now, we have a charismatic hard nosed kiwi at the helm, an abundance of young talent coming through, we have no idea what our starting centre partnership or backrow unit will look like, and we have a pretty big Unit coming from Saffer-land in October who apparently can punch a few holes. And not only can Dougie play again, but it looks like he will be captain.

We may not win a thing this season in terms of trophies, but at least it will be a season filled with genuine hope rather than constant dread and despair. And about ****ing time too.