So long Eddie...

Yesterday came the news that Eddie O'Sullivan had announced that he was resigning as the Ireland coach.

Amid rumours and harsh criticism, its been a little bit of a "will he won't he?" kind of ride as far as this is concerned, and few can say that it really comes of that much of a shock.

You have to wonder, though, exactly why this has come about. I mean, Ireland's record lately has been far from impressive, and perhaps he's been forced from his position by the IRFU to make way for a fresh approach, but as short a time ago as Saturday he was declaring that he still had the heart to go on and would continue to do so. Perhaps the rather embarrassing performance at Twickenham took the heart from him.

It's easy to be critical, as the mainstream media love to do. Its easy to look when things are going wrong to the guy in charge and lay all the charges at his feet. Now don't get me wrong, some of the criticism is indeed justified, but is perhaps a little overdone. Has Eddie bowed to the pressure of the critics after Saturday's match and tossed in the towel because of it?

Rather like when Ian Paisley Sr. announced his retirement a little while ago, I think it's very important to look not only at recent events, but to take a hollistic view of any given situation. We should remember that Eddie is the most successful coach of the Ireland squad, and that not only did we win the Triple Crown three times within four years during his leadership, but also rose to third in the world rankings.

Whatever the reason for his departure, Eddie has been a great coach over all, and brought the side a lot to be proud of. Yet maybe the time is right to step down. Maybe the old tactics have gotten, well, old. Maybe its a wise decision to let go and allow someone else to take over, and hopefully lead Irish Rugby forward, to hopefully greener pastures.

So long Eddie. Thanks for all you've done, and all the best for the future.