It was a memorable event for a number of reasons.
First I had a free ticket, courtesy of my Brother-in-law. I have been very lucky in recent times with free (or otherwise paid for) tickets. I am always extremely grateful when other people offer to take me to a game, a concert or whatever.
Second it was the third of three rugby 'tests' during the autumn here in Dublin. A test, in case you don't follow rugby (or cricket for that matter) is another term used for an international match. More to the point, the two previous tests were against Australia and South Africa and Ireland won both tests. This is a BIG story here right now since it puts Ireland up to third in the current world rankings for Rugby. Not bad for a small country with loads of other sports competing for the best sporting talent on this little island.
Third, it was the last ever international sports fixture to be played at this famous old stadium, the oldest rugby stadium in the world.
Ireland won the match and won well so that was good. At the end of the game there was a bit of a send off for the old place, with some footage on the big-ish screen and some music blaring out for atmosphere.
I am wondering if Ireland has just delivered its three best performances. The rugby world cup takes place next year in France and we're in a really tough group. The press hacks haven't been able to come up with anything better than the stock phrase of "group of death". Zzzzzz.
Anyway, it's going to be hard to qualify for the latter stages and I'm just wondering if we might have peaked too soon.
Hope I'm wrong.
Anyway, a good day all in all and one that will last in the memory for a long time.
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