IRELAND rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll has said he received a "mixed" response to playing a Lambeg drum on the Twelfth of July.
The Dubliner attended a Twelfth demonstration in Loughgall, Co Armagh, this year as part of a documentary about Irish internationals who played for the all-island team during the Troubles.
The film, Shoulder to Shoulder, will have its premiere screening in Belfast tonight.
The former Ireland captain told BBC Radio Ulster that while some people "from an Orange perspective" were pleased he had attended the demonstration others "down in the south" were "appalled".
He said he wondered whether he had done the right thing.
"When I woke up the next day I was proud that I'd put myself out of my comfort zone and I had done something that maybe not everyone would do," he said.
"If I was asked to do it again, would I give it a go? I absolutely would."
The player said he was threatened on social media during filming.
"I was told not to wear my Irish jersey in Portadown or eight guys would be there to give me a hiding," he said.
"My first thoughts were, 'gosh, I don't know why they need eight guys'."
O'Driscoll said it was "eye-opening" to hear from northern rugby stars, including Davy Irwin and Willie John McBride, and Englishman David Duckham, who played during the Troubles.
He said McBride's story of being in Belfast during Bloody Friday, when a series of IRA bombs killed 19 people, was particularly striking.
"He's talking about being a bank manager and being told to evacuate the building but running downstairs and outside and not knowing where the next explosion is going to come from - are you running towards it or running away from it?" he said.
O'Driscoll said the Ireland team was able to work as a unit, despite the Troubles.
"I think that's the amazing story that has gone throughout," he said.
"There was so little commonality in many areas and yet we were able to come together and perform as a united Ireland."
