Victory for Ireland!

First of all, I must offer a hundred thousand apologies for spelling the great Ronan O'Gara's name incorrectly yesterday. Ta bron orm, Ronan, a croi. But onto the games. Well I have to say Italy impressed me in Rome, with their storming confident battle with Wales. And though I should have been cheering my Celtic compatriots to victory, I believe Italy played the better game and deserved to win. Not the form from Wales we have so far experienced, and if they want to stand a chance against MY team, Ireland next week, they better pull their socks up!

At first, when the Scotland/Ireland game started, I could not bear to look at the shambolic shuffling of my heroes. They seemed to have left their brains and confidence in the changing rooms. It was almost like watching paint dry, and I've done enough of that for one week, thank you very much. However, as the first half drew to a close, suddenly, the green shirts were everywhere in defence, and even attack, and the pace was more like it. Though they left the field at half time with 9 points to Scotland's 12, I sensed a stiffening of the sinews and a bit of iron in the blood.

The rugby played in the second half was great, with Ireland showing just how a line out should be done. As for Ronan, bless him, he did it so well under great pressure. The RBS Man of the Match was well chosen; I had already decided he was the hero of the day, little Peter Stringer. What a player! Fast, intelligent, generous and just everywhere. Well done Ireland, and I will be cheering you on while drinking Guinness next week. A little early perhaps, but to everybody out there, Happy St. Patrick's day for tomorrow, 17 March.

Sunday - Day of Rest and Rugby

Well, I notice that not a single soul found its way to my musings, and once more onto the web, dear friends, or close the mouth up with all thoughts denied. Or something of that ilk. I have to admit to becoming addicted to the 6 Nations Rugby, though it only started yesterday. The England/Italy game was like watching paint dry, though the Italians were using their brushes with more artistry than the Brits. Much more exciting and amazing to watch was the Ireland/France battle in Dublin. How I chewed my nails down to the knuckles, wishing for Ireland to pull it off AND THEY DID. Well done lads, you cheered me up. I always get a lump in my throat when they play the Soldier's Song - I sing along too. But when the crowd roar out The Fields of Athenry, I reach for the kitchen roll to mop up my tears.

I have to sort myself for this afternoon's Scotland/Wales match, but I am sure it will never live up to the wonderful game from yesterday. I never saw so much blood, so many bumps and bruises, so many limping men, such bravery on both sides. We shall see what today's match brings. A word to Ireland's team, "Keep it up lads, you were bloody great."