Once upon a time, and not so very long ago, the Irish rugby team were even more predictable than they are today.

WHEN we take the visiting grandchildren mackerel fishing in the summer, one of the highlights is always the big seals drawn up on the rock island at the mouth of the bay, or treading water in the sea around it, immersed up to their nostrils like Japanese men simmering in Tokyo public baths.

Damien Enright marvels at this year’s fledglings.