Peter Mullen
With a family, a taxing job, and a body that had weathered several decades of rugby, Irishman Peter Mullen figured his rugby career was in its twilight when work found him in New York four years ago. Searching for a club with whom he might share a few pints and rugby stories, and maybe play a little old boys rugby, Mullen fell upon the Lions late in 2001, and quickly became not only the A-side scrumhalf, but an essential cog in the side that won Division III in 2003, and competed for the Northeast championship.
Mullen’s time in New York was short, but his impression on the Lions – and the Lions on him – was no less profound. The father of two young daughters, Mullen -- hailing from Tipperary and living in London -- recently reconnected with the touring Lions, and scrumhalfed the side that faced off against his Old Actonians club. Turning 40 this summer, Mullen was all too happy to relive 2003’s championship season over a few beers.
[Peter Mullen showing the moves that got him kicked out of Ireland. Photo Rina Rachman]
A PINT WITH: How did it feel to reconnect with the boys?
PETER MULLEN: It was great! It was great to see them all, but it was really great to play a game with them. When I left in June 2003, I wasn’t sure I’d get the chance again.
APW: While you had a short Lions tenure, it was nonetheless memorable. How do your Lions memories compare to the rest of your playing career?
PM: I would put Syracuse [2003 Northeast championship] up there with the best I’ve had. I’ve been playing rugby since I was 12 or 13, and had a couple championships along the way; in 1987, I played in the team that won the Irish Colleges Championship. But that paled in significance to the Lions in 2003. The championship in Syracuse was a very special occasion. When I came to New York, I really thought my rugby career was over.
APW: Do you follow the club’s progress from London?
PM: I do. Extensively. I speak to Kieran and Cherry and Gunner on the phone, and follow the club through the website and message board.
APW: What had brought you to New York?
PM: Work -- I’m a banker. I’m actually going to be working with Peter Kay [a.k.a. Welsh Pete].
APW: How did that come to be?
PM: Pure coincidence. We’re in separate departments, but we’ll be working on deals together. I didn’t get to meet him on tour, but I met him yesterday here in London.
APW: Was there some Lions talk?
PM: [Laughs] Yeah! Some old war stories.
APW: How did you end up with the Lions?
PM: Through the web. I looked at a couple of sides, but the sense I got from the Lions website was that it was more a club for me than some of the others I saw. So I took a flier on it and went down to East River Park one Thursday night, and after a couple of beers at Fiddlesticks, I knew the club was for me.
APW: One thing we see with overseas players – and one thing our guys saw in England and Ireland – is just how different the rugby situation is: schlepping over to Avenue D, no showers, etc. Was that much of a culture shock?
PM: The first time I saw the field at Randalls Island, that was a bit of a shock, because the field I was used to playing on in London -- which the [touring] guys just played on -- was a pretty pristine surface. But if anything, the efforts that I saw people make just to get out and play motivated me to get involved with the club. The club is operating on a shoestring in terms of facilities, and people make the most out of it. That’s quite inspiring. People play for the Lions because they really love the game, and that’s really a highlight.
APW: Might you find yourself in New York any time soon?
PM: It’s possible. You never rule it out. My time with the club was short -- I was it had been longer. But it’s a special club. Anyone who’s pulled on the black and white shirt only ever leaves with good memories.
[Peter and his wife (center of group, below Cherry) party with the Lions tourists. Photo Rina Rachman]
Quick Facts:
- Birthplace: Limerick
- Hometown: Thurles, Co. Tipperary
- Favorite Beer: Beamish
- U2 or the Pogues: U2
- Best Lions Memory: The final team meeting at our hotel in Syracuse before the Boston game in April 2003. The passion with which Paddy, Kieran, Gunner and Cherry spoke and the messages of goodwill that were read, there's no amount of money that could buy the feeling of togetherness and resolve that was present that morning. I will always remember that weekend.
- Most Valuable Teammate: There were so many: Gunner for his decision making under pressure, Cherry for his all-round game, Nils Clotteau's attacking skills, Justin Flowers running through or over anything that gets in his way. But the main man has to be Stevie Raia -- totally destructive in defense and brilliant going forward with the ball.
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