NOBODY WITH a semblance of knowledge would have been surprised when the full-time whistle blew against England in Dublin to signify Ireland’s fourth Grand Slam in 127 attempts. It may have been their third in 14 years but what the hell, let the drink flow, let the Liffey run green.
There’s poetry in the 123 failed attempts. Ireland and Lansdowne Road was historically known as a great place for the craic as much as being any sort of rugby fortress. It’s less fun to write about the professionalism of Ireland’s advance in the 21st century but it’s where the latest Grand Slam has its roots.
This one, to be precise, has entwined roots. There’s the appointment of Andy Farrell to make the step up from defence coach to head coach after the 2019 World Cup and there’s the tipping point in his managerial career where everything was in the balance.
To 2021 andIreland were every bit as good as Wales but in the 14th minute Peter O’Mahony was sent off. Ireland led at half-time but the extra man told for Wales (as it helped Ireland against England so recently) and the game slipped away.
