When it comes to discussions of Munster's Player of the Season, Tom Ahern's name is as prominent as his towering frame on a rugby pitch.
The 6'9" lock-turned-blindside flanker has been sensational in what has been a statement season, causing real problems for the opposition in the wide channels while showing up defensively.
The province will be without the 24-year-old during their URC quarter-final clash at home to Ospreys on Friday and may have to go without him in the event that they make the final.
An 'ankle/lower leg' injury sustained during his cameo against Ulster may have put paid to his season and could also have consequences for his potential selection in an Ireland shirt.
Ahern had widely been expected to receive a call-up for Ireland's summer Tour of South Africa this summer, however that now looks in jeopardy.
Tom Ahern in full flight 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/DpiMHQZacJ
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) May 11, 2024
He is a massive loss for Munster going into the knockout phase of their URC title defence, the Waterford native having a great bench impact in recent weeks.
He has the admiration of former Ireland star Bernard Jackman, who has made an interesting comparison between the player and Deise hurling legend John Mullane.
Bernard Jackman Likens Tom Ahern To John Mullane
It is Ahern's demeanour on the field that has a likeness to Mullane according to Jackman, who has taken note of his passion during his performances.
Ahern does tend to celebrate tries and turnovers more than most on the pitch, just as the passionate Mullane did whenever key moments went Waterford's way in the heat of battle.
Mullane, whose famous "I love me county" declaration after the 2004 Munster final embodied his passion for the cause, is a legend in his county.
Meanwhile, Ahern is the hottest rugby talent out of Waterford right now and brings a similar energy for Munster, as Jackman explained on the RTE Rugby Podcast.
He is from Waterford and he reminds me of John Mullane the Waterford hurler," he explained.
"He celebrates with real passion and emotion. He is a fella when you watch him play by what he does and how he reacts to good moments you are saying 'he really enjoing playing for his province.'
"John Mullane's thing was 'I love my county' he might be a 'I love my province'.
"If he is out for the Tour I think he definitely would have been there or thereabouts."
While there is little likeness in their physical appearance, we can see where Jackman is coming from in terms of how he conducts himself on the pitch.
Munster are looking light in the second-row with Jean Kleyn still sidelined will no doubt miss Ahern's impact in the second-half on Friday.
