With the 2009 series now done and dusted, we take a look back at the impact of skipper Paul O'Connell through the eyes of coaches, team-mates and the man himself.

One of the heroes of the 1997 tour to South Africa believes his countrymen have done themselves plenty of favours on the current tour of the Republic.

Rhino

Rhino Rugby is the world's leading supplier of scrummaging machines and contact and training equipment for rugby. Rhino is an Official Supplier to England and Wales and its top of the range Dictator machine is also used by Scotland and by a majority of clubs in the English Premiership and Magners Celtic League. For further information please visit www.rhinorugby.com

Marks and Spencer

Marks and Spencer logo Marks and Spencer, established 125 years ago, is the UK's largest clothing retailer with over 21 million weekly customers. The company are renowned Worldwide for their quality, value, service, innovation and trust. Employing over 75,000, with 1,000 stores, Marks and Spencer have set new ethical and environmental standards with their 5 year eco-Plan A. Please visit www.marksandspencer.com

Bushmills

Official Spirit of the British & Irish Lions www.bushmills.com

Maximuscle

Maximuscle, the UK's leading sports nutrution company, are committed to helping dedicated sports people and gym users exceed their personal performance goals. Maximuscle offer the most comprehensive range of sports nutrition products on the market with a focus on increaseing lean muscle, reducing body fat and improving endurance, energy and recovery. Please visit www.maximuscle.com

Land Rover

For 60 years, Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Freelander 2, Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover each define the worlds 4x4 sectors, with 78% of this model range exported to over 169 countries. Land Rover employs over 8,000 people with a further 40,000 jobs supported in the supply chain. All Land Rover products are designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK. For further information please visit www.landrover.com

AT Computers

AT Computers Official IT supplier, over 10 years experience supplying Mac computers to professional sports teams to ensure they are at the forefront of video analysis. Current suppliers to Welsh Rugby Union, RFU, Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Scarlets & Gloucester. Please visit www.atcomputers.co.uk

Sportstec

Sportstec Official IT Supplier to the Lions, is a global leader in the development of leading edge sports technology products including SportsCode the world's premier performance analysis (video analysis) software.

Current suppliers to all the Home Nations Teams, the Magners League regional teams, the Guinness Premiership League teams and many more. Visit www.sportstec.com

Vivomed

Vivomed is the UK and Ireland's leading Sports Medicine supplier, currently supplying physiotherapy products and team pharmaceutical supplies to top professional clubs and international teams.

In the important field of professional supplies for sport, Vivomed has the unrivalled expertise to provide complete solutions for sports medicine professionals. For further information please visit www.vivomed.co.uk

Lions legend Gerald Davies has hailed Shane Williams and Tommy Bowe as the best wingers in the world ahead of today's Six Nations showdown between Wales and Ireland.

The British & Irish Lions

Tour to South Africa 2009