Not an uninspired rugby player left in the house.
If Ireland are to win the World Cup, the first stride will be taken at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.
Joe Schmidt’s squad will face France in Cardiff and the winner will, most likely, face Argentina in the same stadium on Sunday week.
It is often the practice of rugby and football squads to invite along an inspirational speaker or sporting legend as a dinner guest.
The IRFU went all out and invited five.
Last night, at the team’s Celtic Manor hotel, Henry Shefflin, AP McCoy, Barry McGuigan, Sonia O’Sullivan and Niall Quinn were the squad’s guests of honour.
Inspirational dinner guests @AP_McCoy @ShefflinHenry @soniaagrith @ClonesCyclone Niall Quinn #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/AIJUI7QyUZ
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 8, 2015
The quintet all spoke – between five and 10 minutes [Quinner likes to talk] – about their sporting challenges, goals and achievements.
After, they all posed in jerseys signed by the 31-man playing squad and members of the coaching staff.
O’Sullivan tweeted, “Inspirational evening in a room full of like minded people chasing dreams.”
It was a very enjoyable evening and was real privilege to have been asked. #worldcupwinners🍀 https://t.co/u1vNuoqFbO
— AP McCoy (@AP_McCoy) October 8, 2015
As for Sunday’s match, tighthead prop Mike Ross believes it will be a true test of the Irish pack.
