Funny old game

This afternoon I will be Irish and proud of it. This rare occurrence happens only 5 days a year when it's Ireland versus England, Wales, Scotland, France and Italy. Rugby, the Six Nations, fantastic. They say sport should have no political boundaries and while that is just a pipe dream there are sports and occasions that can unify divided countries. There will be thousands of fans streaming across the border from Norn Iron today to support Ireland in a way that politically would be impossible.

Football doesn't have this effect. During Norn Iron's glory years 1980-1986 containing 2 World Cup Finals and 2 British Championships there was little or no support from fans in the Republic of Ireland. Likewise when Jack Charlton took Ireland to 2 World Cup Finals there wasn't the same level of support from fans in Norn Iron. That's just the way it is, but Rugby, that's different. Players from the 4 provinces are united as a team which this year are better than we've seen since the might of Willie John McBride, Mike Gibson and Fergus Slattery dominated the Lions tours.

It will be a tough match and to be honest I think Ireland will struggle to win the Championship as Wales have already done the business against both the English and the French. Ireland's remaining games are today at home to England, home to France and finally away to Wales. If we can beat England and France then we're set for a fantastic finale. Come on Ireland!

Category:

• Sport
• Rugby
• Ireland
• Northern+Ireland