Ian McKinley's magic glasses

[curates_egg]

So, I was interested to see that the Irish Times is now doing a weekly round-up of Irish players based abroad...but they missed one former Leinsterman in their round-up this week: Ian McKinley.
McKinley started his first full game for Viadana at the weekend (it was a friendly, as the season hasn't started yet).
I have a friend from Viadana, who is a big fan, and told me McKinley had a good game but had to come off, as it started raining heavily and he couldn't see through his magic glasses (c) Gerry Thornley: https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/ ... -1.1896043

I must say I found the story about McKinley very uplifting and I wondered if the IRB would approve the glasses for the top level and a small part of me wondered if he might make it back again. Hadn't considered the practical difficulties though.
Viadana still play at a high level. There are some decent players in the excellenzia.

[AdamK]

Well that's something they can work on, I'm sure they can coat the goggles in some sort of film or coating that stops rain water building up on them.

[curates_egg]

For sure. It is an inspiring story and there have to be technical solutions.

[Darce]

I'm pretty sure F1 and Motor Racing have solved this problem years ago.

I'd imagine this is the least of the issues they'll have had to overcome

[Peg Leg]

I'm pretty sure F1 and Motor Racing have solved this problem years ago.

I'd imagine this is the least of the issues they'll have had to overcome

Yes, by driving at 150mph...
F1 drivers still have to wipe their visors manually and generally have a few "rip-offs" for when engine juice from the vehicle in front smears the visor.

[AdamK]

Or bugs. Mmm bugs.

[Peg Leg]

Or bugs. Mmm bugs.

F1 drivers have frog like tongues for removing bugs

[AdamK]

Actually dealing with mud is a very real possibility, so probably no harm having tear-aways like you'd have on MTB goggles.

[curates_egg]

More on McKinley on the Score today.
Fair dues http://thescore.thejournal.ie/ian-mckin ... itter_self

[neiliog93]

Wow, fair play to him.

[curates_egg]

And now the Baa-Baas http://balls.ie/rugby/267651-ian-mckinley-barbarians/

If he had never gotten injured and started yesterday, who knows?

[curates_egg]

McKinley makes the matchday squad for Zebre at the weekend: http://www.zebrerugby.eu/la-formazione- ... -scarlets/
First match in Pro12 in 4 years.
Guy deserves a Nobel Prize for perseverance. Some cohones.

Will be interesting to see how the authorities respond to his glasses.

[curates_egg]

This is outstanding news. His first start for Zebre and it is against us:
https://twitter.com/ZebreRugby/status/7 ... 9805040640
He was only called into the squad on Monday, so it's a big ask, but he has supposedly been tearing it up for Viadana.
Will be interesting to see how he hacks the pace. He's still only 26 and we could do with an outhalf in our squad next season.

[molloyjh]

This is outstanding news. His first start for Zebre and it is against us:
https://twitter.com/ZebreRugby/status/7 ... 9805040640
He was only called into the squad on Monday, so it's a big ask, but he has supposedly been tearing it up for Viadana.
Will be interesting to see how he hacks the pace. He's still only 26 and we could do with an outhalf in our squad next season.

Absolutely delighted for the guy. Will be really interested to see how he goes now.

[Xanthippe]

I have to say I've been delighted to see the reaction/comments today from Leinster Rugby themselves along with the coaches and players. I know Ian is one of our own but is so nice to see that it's not just the supporters who are wishing him well.

[Amz]

I have to say I've been delighted to see the reaction/comments today from Leinster Rugby themselves along with the coaches and players. I know Ian is one of our own but is so nice to see that it's not just the supporters who are wishing him well.

Agreed, was great to see!

[IanD]

Ian McKinley on since half time against Ulster.

[curates_egg]

Ian McKinley on since half time against Ulster.

First time playing in Ireland in 5 years. Not looking out of place either.
I hope some provinces are looking at signing him.

[curates_egg]

My source in Italy tells me McKinley has signed with Treviso for next season.

The incredible story keeps giving. McKinley will be back in the Pro12. Fair balls to him.

[Oldschool]

'Magic' glasses my ar$e next ye'll be posting about 'magic' mirrors.