Ireland booked a place in history with a dramatic 17-15 victory over Wales to seal the Grand Slam in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday night…Ireland Home Coming Tribute…
COMETH THE HOUR, COMETH THE MEN…
“To go down to the end, it would have broken my heart,” said Leinster’s Brian O’Driscoll.
“I’m so proud of the boys. We took a lot of flak over the last 18 months but to be champions – I’m delighted.”
Wales led 6-0 at half-time but tries from O’Driscoll and Tommy Bowe in the opening minutes of the second half pulled Ireland back into the match and set up a thrilling finale.
O’Driscoll revealed that coach Declan Kidney’s half-time team-talk had inspired their comeback.
“He said we were still completely in it, we just hadn’t converted our pressure into points,” he said.
“We came out firing and got two quick tries and we couldn’t have asked for a more dramatic end. Two drop-goals and then for Stephen Jones to miss a penalty – you couldn’t ask for more.”
Ireland’s victorious Grand Slam winning Rugby Team will be greeted by supporters at a Home Coming Reception to be held outside the Mansion House on Dawson Street, Dublin on Sunday (22nd March) at 4.30pm. Dublin’s Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne was delighted to give the IRFU the opportunity to avail of this historic venue to pay tribute to our rugby heroes in marking this truly great achievement.
The Team and Management will arrive into Dublin Airport and proceed directly to the Mansion House where they will take to a stage specially erected for the occasion across Dawson Street. Entry to the reception will be via Nassau Street only and those wishing to attend are advised to arrive no later than 4pm.
