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Ten tattoos from the world of sport

Getting inked up has become almost mandatory for a lot of athletes. So, which is the coolest?
12.46pm, 18 Jan 2011

FROM DAN SHANAHAN’S mantra to the atlas that is Paul Galvin’s arms, some of our favourite sports stars boast distinctive tattoos.

We take a look at 10 from home and abroad. Ouch!

Ten tattoos from the world of sport
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  • Sonny Bill Williams

    We're big fans of All Black ledgebag Sonny Bill Williams. He pulls off the tribal sleeve effect with ease. Source: INPHO/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

  • David Oliver Joyce

    This one does exactly what it says on the tin. David Oliver Joyce is indeed one of the fighting Irish. Source: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

  • Dessie Baker

    Dessie Baker keeps the flag flying for the Airtricity League. Source: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

  • Mike Tyson

    This approach is for those amongst you who are REALLY sure you want a tattoo. Mike Tyson inked his face with a tribal motif; it probably wouldn't work as well with a Tweety Bird cartoon/Van Halen logo. Source: INPHO/Getty Images

  • Paul Galvin

    Paul Galvin's tattoos are a mix of the religious, trendy and some geography. Source: INPHO/James Crombie

  • Pauline Curley

    Pauline Curley, like a lot of Olympians, commemorated her involvement in the Games with a nice piece of body art. Actors who play Hobbits in Hollywood movies do the same. Source: INPHO/James Crombie

  • David Beckham

    David Beckham. Human canvas. Source: Sean Dempsey/PA Wire

  • Dan Shanahan

    Waterford's Dan Shanahan may have bowed out of intercounty hurling but he certanily made his mark with the Déise. 'Don't judge unless you know me' his arm reads. We certainly got to know him. Source: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

  • Shaquille O'Neal

    Once upon a time tattoos were the preserve of bikers and sailors. Then the NBA came along. We could have picked any baller from Jordan to Iverson to James. But Shaq will do. Source: . AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File

  • Shawne Merriman

    Shawne Merriman earned the nickname "Lights Out" after knocking out football players while at high school in Maryland. He's lived up to the label in the NFL.

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