The woman’s partner had passed away from cancer and she was ’emotionally fragile’ at the airport.
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Ireland and Lions legend Brian O’Driscoll has gone viral on Twitter for his random act of kindness at an airport back in 2021
Christine Wilson posted on Twitter: “Yesterday, my mother travelled back to Ireland from the UK, where she’d visited friends and family for the first time since she lost the love of her life to cancer.
“His first anniversary is this month. She was tired and emotionally fragile at the airport.
“Memories of holidays they took came back to her – holidays together that won’t happen again.
“She was struggling with her bags on the steps out to the tarmac, and missing the person she called ‘her big strong man’ to help her.
“She was getting tearful, and it was then that someone she described as ‘a very handsome man’ offered to carry her bag, and even took it on to the plane for her.
“She said he was kind and helpful, which was just what she needed at that point.
“So a huge thank you from me to Brian O’Driscoll – not only did you help out my lovely mam when she was feeling helpless and lost, but as she’s been a huge fan of yours for as long as I remember, to meet you and find you to be kind and generous gave her a real lift. Thank you.”
NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”