The top 50 Irish players of the Six Nations era: 30-21 - The men who drove the green machine

30 – Jerry Flannery Connacht, Munster, Ireland (41 caps) Honours: Grand Slam 2009, Heineken Cup 2006, 2008, 2009 Another whose contribution was curtailed by a succession of injuries, Flannery was a superbly confrontational hooker with an unerring ability to find his men out of touch. Was in line to be the Lions’ starting hooker in 2009 until injury struck and his late career was plagued by calf problems. At his best, he was a hard working, talented player with a big personality who earned the respect of his opponents.