Second Sight, the book written by Ian McKinley, recounts his sporting obstacles in great detail. Everything Ian McKinley has faced in his 35 years: from the dream of being Johnny Sexton’s backup at Leinster, to the heartbreak of nearly having to quit playing, to his rebirth in Italy, where new opportunities (including international ones) opened up for him.
From a young age, McKinley showed a strong aptitude for sports, first in Gaelic football, Ireland’s national sport, and then in rugby. At 20, he made his debut in the Celtic League with Leinster and represented Ireland U20 in both the Six Nations and the Junior World Championship in Japan in 2009.
“In the last match of that tournament, I was even captain, because a certain Peter O’Mahony was unavailable," recounts McKinley. "And in the team, there was also a player named Conor Murray, with whom I played in the halves. Not bad to have been teammates with two future Lions captains.”
A life-changing moment
In 2010, McKinley’s life changed forever. During a match, he was struck in the face in a ruck - later discovered to be an accidental blow from a teammate. The impact, at eye level, came from the stud of a boot, requiring emergency surgery. It led to partial vision loss and a long layoff.
Months later, he returned to the field, but another incident - retinal detachment - resulted in total blindness in one eye, forcing him into retirement.
Determined to stay in the sport he loved, he turned to coaching and received an offer from Udine, in northeast Italy. In 2013, a meeting between his brother Phillip and a design student led to the creation of a pair of protective goggles, allowing Ian to return to playing.
A new battle ensued: to gain recognition for the use of 'rugby goggles', specially designed protective eyewear. Initially approved in Italy as part of a trial, they faced resistance in his native Ireland.
McKinley’s return began in the lower leagues, but his talent stood out. He earned a spot in Italy’s top division with Viadana, in Mantua province, before making his way back to the then-Celtic League (now URC), first as a permit player with Zebre and later as a permanent fixture at Treviso.
International recognition
By 2017, after more than three years in Italy, McKinley was called up to Conor O’Shea’s national squad. He made his debut for Italy on 11 November in Catania against Fiji, scoring a late penalty to seal victory for the Azzurri.
From there, he earned nine caps for Italy - including three appearances against his native Ireland - and took part in the 2019 Six Nations.
“In 2018, I was part of the squad but never played. I was there for every match, though. Then in 2019, I played four out of five," describes McKinley. "Maybe it wasn’t the best period for Italy, but the tournament is still a special competition. I grew up watching it on TV. It’s always been something important.
"I still follow Italy closely, also for work, and I’m a big supporter. Last year, with two wins and a draw against France, they achieved great results. After the Scotland match, I brought Prosecco into the studio and toasted the victory.
"This year will be tougher. Fans may expect the same results, but it’s never easy. There were definitely positives against Scotland, but in the end, it was still a defeat.”
Changing the game
Thanks to McKinley and his family’s efforts, World Rugby approved a rule change in 2019, officially allowing protective eyewear.
A few years later, he announced his second and final retirement from playing - but his involvement in rugby remained strong. He turned to coaching, working in both Northern Ireland and Italy, where he is now part of the Rugby Vicenza coaching staff.
“I go back and forth between Italy and Northern Ireland, where my wife is from," he explains. "Twice a month, I travel to Vicenza to help Andrea Cavinato and Francesco Minto with the backs, skills, and kicking. I also coach here at home. It’s fun, and I’m always on the field, immersed in rugby.”
Beyond coaching, McKinley continues to raise awareness about vision impairment and disability. His latest venture is groundbreaking: providing accessible commentary for visually and hearing-impaired viewers on Irish broadcaster Virgin Media Sport.
“We have to explain matches in a clearer way to accommodate those with impairments. I try to be very specific about details. Last week, for example, I mentioned Josh van der Flier’s red scrum cap and Danilo Fischetti’s head bandages. It becomes something more like radio commentary.
"It was our first attempt at this, and we’ll do it again for Ireland vs Wales. Then we’ll assess if it’s a project that can continue. I think it’s a big step, especially considering that in Ireland alone, around 500,000 people have visual impairments."
On another floor in the newsroom, matches are also broadcast in sign language for the hearing impaired. "You talk a lot more in this kind of commentary than when you play," says McKinley. "By the time I drove home, I was exhausted from everything I’d said. You need an in-depth knowledge of the players, the ability to read the atmosphere, and an eye for small details the general public might miss. And, of course, a firm grasp of the latest rule changes.
"Fortunately, I’ve followed rugby closely since childhood, played it, and always been passionate about it, so it all comes naturally.”
A new Six Nations perspective
For the opening weekend of the 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations, McKinley was in the Virgin Media, commentating on Italy’s brave defeat and Ireland’s comeback win against England.
“For Italy, it was a real shame. At 19-19, there was a chance, but then two soft tries changed everything," is his take on the result. "Even at the end, they had opportunities to score and put Scotland under pressure.
"Quesada probably rewatched the match that very night and saw all the scoring chances that were missed. The Wales game will be the most important in at least ten years for both teams. I can’t wait to watch it - the stadium will be packed, and the crowd buzzing.
"In Dublin, it was a great Test match. Credit to England for challenging Ireland in the first half, but then Ireland’s class and quality shone through - players like Dan Sheehan, returning after months out, were phenomenal.”
The ongoing debate over Ireland’s No. 10 jersey is something McKinley knows well. Ronan O’Gara, who experienced his own battles for the fly-half shirt, recently weighed in. McKinley says: “There are a thousand factors to consider. Since the Australia match in the Autumn Nations Series, Prendergast has started almost every game for Leinster, while Munster - Crowley’s team - has struggled. Naturally, confidence can take a hit in that situation.
"If I were head coach, I’d have likely picked Prendergast too. But it’s a fascinating duel. They’re young, interchangeable, and the decision against Scotland will be telling.”
The road ahead
Andy Farrell, watching from the stands at the Aviva Stadium, is already eyeing potential Lions selections. Meanwhile, Simon Easterby is settling into his interim head coach role.
“It must have been strange for Farrell to watch while Easterby took charge," McKinley suggests. "But Simon is an excellent coach, experienced and trusted by the players. He was full of energy in the coaching box.”
Will the tournament be decided on 8 March in the Ireland v France showdown, or could there still be surprises? “Murrayfield is always tough for Ireland. There are never big margins there," he answers. "Ireland and France are the top two, though. France didn’t even seem to go all out against Wales, so I still see them as the favourites.”
McKinley’s own Championship campaign in 2019 mirrors Italy’s 2025 schedule. Could history repeat itself? “In 2019, we only had one really bad game, against England. The Scotland match was different; we were down 30 points but finished with three late tries.
"In sport, results are what count. The Wales match will be tense, and the team that handles the pressure best will win.”
