Back in 2009 the Irish rugby team were invited to meet the queen after winning the Grand Slam for only the second time in Irish rugby and the first time since the 1940’s. When the Munster & Irish Ronan O’Gara man was meeting the Queen there was a famous picture taken where ROG as his known had his hands in his pocket.
Speaking back in 2017 to Paddy McKenna the record points scorer said;
“The picture appeared in the Irish Times where everyone was convinced that I refused to shake her hand.”
“It’s a completely opportunistic photo.”
O’Gara said there was more of a straight forward reason for the moment.
“I don’t have any strong beliefs on the monarchy, (but) I’d like to think my parents reared me well.
“You’re respectful to older women, to women in general.
“My hands were sweaty. I had my hands in (my pockets).
“I was cleaning my hands from sweat to make sure there wasn’t a layer of sweat before I shook her hand.”