IRELAND'S CALL

© The Guardian

The VI Nations tournament is now over, and I must say it ended with a bang: the final week-end was by far the most interesting, and the most dramatic we've had this year. France have gone to Rome, where they always seem to do well, and have managed to restore a small part of their bruised and battered honour, beating Italy 50-8. Still, the previous week's humiliation at the hands of an unremarkable English team will not be easily forgotten. Not by me anyway.

England have gone on to beat Scotland, still without impressing, and pip the French to the 2nd place of the tournament, thanks in no small part to Sunday's thumping.

More importantly, Ireland beat Wales in Cardiff in a thrilling game, and won the second Grand Slam of their history, and their first since 1948. As much as I would have liked to see France in their place, I cannot begrudge Ireland their triumph. They are the stongest Irish team in years, they have the best supporters, the few surviving heroes of the first Grand Slam were so gentleman-like, and looked so happy, and it was St Patrick's Day this week anyway. So, without the slightest hint of a reservation: hearty congratulations to the winners, and Sláinte!