Related News
Thousands welcome Irish slam winners
Source: Agencies |
March 24, 2009, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THOUSANDS of fans streamed into Dublin's city center on Sunday to welcome Ireland's rugby team home after it clinched its first grand slam victory in 61 years.
Supporters from across Ireland, many waving Irish flags and wearing their team's green jersey, cheered and danced at a homecoming celebration for the team at Dublin's historic Mansion House, the Lord Mayor's residence.
The 17-15 victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in the Six Nations finale on Saturday helped boost spirits in Ireland which is facing its worst recession this year with rising unemployment.
Flyhalf Ronan O'Gara dropped the winning goal three minutes from time to seal his side's first grand slam win since 1948.
"This has really given everyone in the whole country a boost ?? we need it," said Fran O'Neill, 44, who travelled to the event from Kildare, which is close to Dublin.
Coach Declan Kidney told fans it had been a great journey for the team in recent weeks.
Ireland defeated France and England at home and won away against Scotland and Italy.
"It's a special time to be involved in rugby. I think the boys are enjoying it," Kidney said.
Ireland's captain Brian O'Driscoll said it had taken a while for the victory to sink in.
"It's a fantastic feeling waking up this morning: you're not as sore as you would be if you'd lost," he said.
Supporters from across Ireland, many waving Irish flags and wearing their team's green jersey, cheered and danced at a homecoming celebration for the team at Dublin's historic Mansion House, the Lord Mayor's residence.
The 17-15 victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in the Six Nations finale on Saturday helped boost spirits in Ireland which is facing its worst recession this year with rising unemployment.
Flyhalf Ronan O'Gara dropped the winning goal three minutes from time to seal his side's first grand slam win since 1948.
"This has really given everyone in the whole country a boost ?? we need it," said Fran O'Neill, 44, who travelled to the event from Kildare, which is close to Dublin.
Coach Declan Kidney told fans it had been a great journey for the team in recent weeks.
Ireland defeated France and England at home and won away against Scotland and Italy.
"It's a special time to be involved in rugby. I think the boys are enjoying it," Kidney said.
Ireland's captain Brian O'Driscoll said it had taken a while for the victory to sink in.
"It's a fantastic feeling waking up this morning: you're not as sore as you would be if you'd lost," he said.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 娌狪CP璇侊細娌狪CP澶05050403鍙-1
- |
- 浜掕仈缃戞柊闂讳俊鎭湇鍔¤鍙瘉锛31120180004
- |
- 缃戠粶瑙嗗惉璁稿彲璇侊細0909346
- |
- 骞挎挱鐢佃鑺傜洰鍒朵綔璁稿彲璇侊細娌瓧绗354鍙
- |
- 澧炲肩數淇′笟鍔＄粡钀ヨ鍙瘉锛氭勃B2-20120012
Copyright 漏 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
