A rousing rendition of Ireland’s Call at Twickenham. That Sean O’Brien hit. New Zealand edging ahead. Tommy Bowe’s GAA-style catch and score, and Johnny Sexton holding his nerve… WE WON IT!
Ireland are the 2015 World Cup winners.
Was it ever in doubt?
Sure it was but, in our shakier moments, we recalled the maxim: IN JOE WE TRUST.
Jamie and Paulie, on crutches, have lifted the trophy and the nation has screamed itself hoarse, shed tears and collected its respective breath.
Here is what happens next…
1. Enda Kenny interrupts an emergency Saturday night Dáil discussion on official government ‘Movember’ policy to bring the good news
An Taoiseach takes his leave to catch a government jet to London. Photo opps with trophies don’t come about every day.
2. A tweet from one of Ireland’s biggest fans almost snaps the internet
3. The campaign begins to get Paul O’Connell to stay on to until 2019, once his hamstring heals
4. As per bloody usual, Joe Schmidt isn’t entirely happy
5. As per bloody usual, someone isn’t happy
6. Toulon’s billionaire owner lines up some World Cup winners
7. Jack Grealish opens the door to an Irish return/U-turn/decision
8. Murray, Zebo (and the Hermitage Green boys) can’t be reached for a comment
9. Cian Healy’s much-anticipated dressing room selfie finally appears, and features some special guests
10. Another classic Nigel Owens quip goes down well in every country but New Zealand
11. The morning after the night before and Jordi Murphy wakes to a buzzing phone
12. Newspaper ‘think pieces’ are coming thick and fast
13. Not all are complimentary
14. Enda Kenny’s late-night, fumbled handshake with Paul O’Connell becomes a viral sensation
14. A major UK rugby pundit still needs convincing
15. Everyone goes mad
16. A major UK newspaper claims us as one of their own
17. Everyone goes mad
18. Jeremy Guscott’s Team of the Tournament only adds fuel to the flames
19. Everyone goes mad
20. Ever the professional professionals, some players nip off to check on their other business interests
21. Of course, RWC success is really all down to the players’ GAA background
22. But one prominent Irish rugby commentator is not entirely convinced
23. Alas, some footage emerges of some Irish ‘brinkmanship’ during the All Blacks’ final push…
24. …before a classy Brian O’Driscoll tweet brings closure to the whole affair
