A game for the ages but ‘only’ an ordinary win

Ireland… 13 South Africa… 8 One of the strange curiosities of the four match saga between Meath and Dublin in the Leinster SFC of 1991 was, after all the hype and coverage had subsided, it was only a first round encounter. The victors still had several hurdles to cross before they could even contemplate silverware.… Read More A game for the ages but ‘only’ an ordinary win

Twelve tries but still room for Paulie to give them a bollicking

IRELAND…82 ROMANIA…8 You’d hope Kevin The Carrot isn’t booked in for a session too early in the morning. Ireland’s favourite animated advertiser wouldn’t deserve to incur the wrath of an angry O’Connell. No living being would. You might wonder what Paul O’Connell might have to be put out by having seen those prepared by Andy… Read More Twelve tries but still room for Paulie to give them a bollicking

Carlsberg don’t sponsor Munster…but if they did…

Hans Christian Andersen, you may stand down sir. For those who produce fairytales to rival anything ever penned by yourself did so again on Saturday evening in some far flung corner of South Africa. Though I don’t think anybody in the celebrated writer’s works ever endured as much heartache and disappointment between pots of gold… Read More Carlsberg don’t sponsor Munster…but if they did…

When you win the ones you shouldn’t you know you’re in a good place

Ireland… 22 Scotland… 7 Sometimes in sport you’ll see things that scarcely seem credible at the time, never mind when the thing that waits for no man or woman or child or beast rolls on. Devon Loch putting down on Dick Francis with the Grand National on a plate, Kevin Foley ghosting up the field… Read More When you win the ones you shouldn’t you know you’re in a good place

Grand designs not the finished article yet

Ireland… 34 Italy… 20 In assignments like Saturday’s at the Stadio Olympico in Rome, teams like Ireland are on a hiding to nothing. Win by a big score and you’re only doing what you’re supposed and expected to do. Don’t, and there’s obviously something fairly drastically wrong. On this occasion, Ireland probably fell between the… Read More Grand designs not the finished article yet

J. Lowe calls the tune as Ireland make big statement

Ireland… 32 France… 19 There are few more satisfying things in sport than earning a statement victory with the cordite of controversy left wafting in the air. Now read on… That’s exactly where Ireland found themselves on Saturday evening following their second win from as many outings in this season’s Guinness Six Nations Championship. With… Read More J. Lowe calls the tune as Ireland make big statement