61 years later: "Kick anything over the grass". Again.

Finally, after 61 years, Ireland won last weekend a Grand Slam. Last one was in 1948. This time was the last chance for the Golden Generation to reach glory and they took the opportunity on their hands.

In an exciting game, Ireland survived a late scare as Steven Jones’ long range penalty fell just short, giving Ireland a 17-15 win, the Triple Crown, the Six Nations Championship and that coveted Grand Slam.

It wasn’t so clear during the game. The first half was a disaster for Ireland. However, half time is when coaches earn their corn and Declan Kidney’s team talk is destined to go down in folklore. It is at least at the same level as that Jack Kyle’s “Kick anything over the grass” from 1948. When Ireland came back out, they were a changed team. The first 6 minutes of the second half will live in the memory for a long time.

In just no time at all, Ireland put the score on a 6-14 lead. O’Gara was decisive in this. But Wales woke up and gave it away with a turnover for a 15-14 score. Irish dream was fading when a mistake from Jones got them into the game again.

With the ball again in Irish hands, O’Gara converted the final drop to put ahead his team 17-15 with four minutes to go. But the game wasn’t over. Jones had a final chance to break Irish hearts. With time up on the clock, Jones stepped up, the kick was on target, but just fell short.

With the triumph over Wales, Ireland got it all: the 6 Nations tournament, the Grand Slam (winning over all the opponents) and the Triple Crown (winning over the three UK teams, Wales, Scotland and England).

Congratulations Ireland.

PS. Not so sweet was the tournament for France and Italy. Maybe because of that, Chabal and Castrogiovanni went into a fight in a pub in the “third time”.



Photo: PA