A Grand day out for Irish fans

Jennifer Bray

Celebrations as Ireland claim historic Grand Slam victory in Wales

Try-scorer Tommy Bowe celebrates after the match

Sporting royalty: President Mary McAleese congratulates Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll as he raises the Six Nations Championship trophy

Scenes of euphoria were seen all across the country last night as Ireland won their bid for Grand Slam glory in Cardiff.

This season's rugby Six Nations Championship came to an intense conclusion after Ireland claimed the victory by two points. Punters squeezed into venues to watch the clash and popular rugby spot Kiely's in Donnybrook proved no exception, packed to capacity.

The 61- year wait for this much-hyped moment was the topic of most pre-match conversation. Ireland has three times before seen their Grand Slam aspirations wiped away in the final game of a championship by Wales in 1926, 1951 and 1969.

There was a palpable sense of Irish pride, with the majority sporting Irish jerseys and roaring out the national anthem. The first scuffle of the match and a warning for Donncha O'Callaghan saw the entirety of the Irish throng on their feet, fists raised and voices hoarse – the first of many instants of outrage.

This turned to ecstasy however as the Irish continuously blocked the advances of the Welsh opposition. The ferocity of the tackles on both sides however was only rivaled by the ferocity of those whose hearts were set on Irish victory.

Thirty-two minutes into play and with Wales breaking the nil-all score to 3-0, a more anxious and uneasy atmosphere was evident. By half-time a new strain was beginning to show. "My nerves are gone," said onlooker David Batt before the second half. "O'Driscoll is, of course, always amazing. Ireland has been very strong, and now they need to capitalise on this strength. We're all very hopeful."

All hell broke loose in the second half, as O'Driscoll was hailed a hero and a legend by the masses, leading the country ahead once again.

The tension was too much for some who chose not to watch the last 10 minutes and rather sat head in hands listening to the reactions of those around them. As the last five minutes drew in, the raw pressure reached its peak as Wales outran Ireland bringing their score one point ahead. This sobriety lasted all of two minutes as Ireland breathlessly raced to 17 points and brought every Irish man and woman off their seats with renewed fervor. As all hopes and wishes came down to the final kick the only moment of silence settled. Nails were bitten and foreheads were burrowed as every Irish breath was held.

And it was euphoria for Ireland. There were tears, laughter, and dancing as for the first time in over six decades Ireland snatched the victory so bitterly fought for.

Darren Grogan, from Swords, said: "This is such an unbelievable moment for Ireland. Not just for the republic but for Northern Ireland and every Irish person in the world. The difference between the Irish team and every other team is our composure, and we saw that today. We've been heartbroken so many times, and now at last, victory."

March 22, 2009

Comments

#1 Murph commented, on March 22, 2009 at 6:25 p.m.:

We are all thinking in our collective state of delusion that we are better than the English becaus we will celebrate this better than any of the grand slams that they got over the last 61 years ago. And we shall never contemplate the fact that we bet them 61 years ago because they lost players during the war as did Wales and Scotland. And the fact that rugby at that time was the sporting outlet of the Vichy collaborationists in France.

Let us dwell incessantly on our significance. One victory in 60 years. That is something that only a bunch of deluded losers could admonish with tons of pride.

Just when the hope arose that Ireland and arrogance might go seperate paths, we will get a load of hype about all of this from the most arrogant sections of the population.

#2 Anto commented, on March 23, 2009 at 12:45 a.m.:

Hype?arrogance?no just an asprin to help us get through these difficult times
And not. Forgetting irelands new world boxing champion

A rather happy weekend i would say

#3 Shay commented, on March 23, 2009 at 11:53 a.m.:

Murph, begrudgery is still alive and well. What a bitter and twisted way of looking at things. Ireland were the best team of this championship, won the grand slam and deserve all accolades coming their way. The rest of us will enjoy something that doesn't happen too often. Begrudgery is poison and contributes nothing.

#4 Gary commented, on March 23, 2009 at 12:50 p.m.:

Jasus Murph, can you not just enjoy a great weekend and keep the bile down for a while you miserable git.

#5 Murph commented, on March 23, 2009 at 4:43 p.m.:

I am providing an honest criticism. And I am ashamed of the arrogance of the Irish, who are especially arrogant when abroad. Clearly Ireland is too accustomed to arrogance to let go. Well then, if this is the case, then surely more disasters will come to this society.

Apart from that we are still obsessed with comparing ourselves to others, and trying to justify looking down on others.

#6 Anthony commented, on March 23, 2009 at 10:57 p.m.:

Am I reading correctly here? The Irish being accused of arrogance? Do you know what arrogance means? "offensive display of superiority or self-importance". I have long thought a major issue of Irish people is our lack of self-confidence that we are good enough to win and succeed and arrogance - ah come off it will you. I don't ever rememeber anyone being offended due to the Irish proclaiming their greatness.

#7 Bill commented, on March 24, 2009 at 12:28 p.m.:

Murph (or should I call you Warren?) get over it,don't be such a sore loser. I know the IRFU treated you badly but it's time to be a man and dry those tears. Sure there's always next year.

#8 antony commented, on March 24, 2009 at 10:32 p.m.:

Murph wait until April 7 the fool's above will forget the stupid game that only their masters are allowed to partake in anyway[ no working class allowed] They will whienge and whine with their poor me attitude and you can sit back and laugh your head off at them as I love to do all the time. CRAP roads,crap rail,crap airline crap public service, crap schools, crap health care,crap banks, crap gov, crap every thing. And they say it's a great little country ha, ha.So let the fool's share a few minute's of glory with their yuppie master's because that's the only thing the master's are willing to share with them.I say bring on the BUDGET and slaughter the lamb's and turn out the light's once the blood has dried. HOORAH

#9 FARRELL commented, on March 25, 2009 at 5:01 a.m.:

Great moments in Irish history. Mary McAleese winning the Grand Slam, A feat to rival Charlie Haughey's winning of the Tour de France. Ah the glory......

#10 Gary commented, on March 25, 2009 at 8:08 a.m.:

Yawn... Hello Anthony, another fantastic contribution. Schhtttop de lighttts