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O'Gara is back to work as Racing prepare for a European trip to Wales this weekend. Morgan Treacy/INPHO
Paris

'The locals feel it's only the start' - Ronan O'Gara describes surreal atmosphere in Paris

The former Ireland out-half was talking to RTÉ’s Game On this evening.

LIFE MUST GO on but Ronan O’Gara has described the impact last Friday’s attacks on Paris has had on the city and its inhabitants as they come to terms with the events of the past week.

The former Ireland and Munster out-half was in the French capital on the night of the attacks in preparation for Racing Metro’s Champions Cup game against Glasgow Warriors.

Speaking to Game On on RTÉ’s 2fm this evening, O’Gara explained how the locals have reacted to the attacks.

“It’s very real,” he said. “It’s very surreal at the same time. It’s so near, yet so far. It’s kind of disbelief and then it’s actually happening.

“It’s extremely bizarre and I’ve never experienced anything like it. It’s difficult. I don’t really have words for it and I don’t really know how to explain it.

“I think they are going after sporting venues, nice theatres, cafes and when it gets to that stage it’s not good.

“It’s a great country and there are some great people here and the locals are confident of winning but you’ll just have to wait and see what it’s like in a month’s time.”

It was the second time Paris had been subject to such an attack following the death of 12 people when two gunmen forced their way into the offices of the French satirical weekly newspaper ’Charlie Hebdo’ in January.

And with Paris and the rest of Europe on high alert, O’Gara admits there is a feeling that this could only be the start.

“The annoying thing is that the locals feel like it’s only the start of things. It’s kind of head down time,” he continued.

“Getting on the pitch is good but everything else is just consumed with watching the TV and watching what’s going on in the clubhouse. It’s occupying everyone’s mind.

“There was some small bit of understanding for the Charlie Hebdo situation, as perverse as it was , but this time there is no reasoning so people are lost for words.”

Racing Metro travel to Scarlets this weekend but their Top 14 fixture against Toulouse at the end of this month has been moved from the Stade de France in the wake of the terror attacks.

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