Irish TDs quell Home Nations

THE defence may have crumbled at Lansdowne Road, but one squad took on everything that England, Scotland and Wales could collectively throw at them — and still managed to send them packing.

The Oireachtas rugby team may be better known for their verbal tackles than the physical variety but when it came to putting on a show yesterday, it could have been backbench or back row the same enthusiasm applied to getting into the thick of things.

There was one difference though. Words, no matter how pointed, aren't supposed to hurt but larger opponents leave their mark on more than the ego.

"I'm a bit stiff and sore all right," admitted team captain Deputy Simon Coveney, a former Garryowen and Cork Con man, who can only manage the occasional guest appearance for Crosshaven now that politics is his chosen sport.

But the 12-5 result in favour of the Irish against a selection of MPs and lords from Britain was worth it, even if he had to give in to a little sporting nepotism and admit his brother Tony on to the side to ensure one of the two Irish tries.

"That's within the rules," he was quick to point out. "There are a few other special rules. The younger lads have a go at each other but we generally respect the fragility of the more mature players."

The inter-parliamentary showdown is an annual event, alternated between Dublin and London venues, but the teams will be lining out further afield this September when they take part in a parliamentary World Cup in Australia prior to the real thing which begins in October.

Ireland will be playing teams from the host country, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Britain and Japan in an event designed to improve international relations and break down barriers through the medium of sport.

"There is a great social element to it too," Simon was honest enough to admit.

Politicians pay their own way on the trip. The Oireachtas crew have set up a savings scheme and have been setting aside regular sums for the last 18 months.

Who will make the Irish squad for Oz is yet to be decided but those doing the honours yesterday were: MJ Nolan, TD, Carlow; Frank Feighan, Senator, Roscommon; Jimmy Devins, TD, Sligo; Conor Lenihan, TD, Dublin; Richard Bruton, TD, Dublin; Barry Andrews, TD, Dun Laoghaire; Jack Wall, TD, Kildare; Jimmy Deenihan, TD and joint team coach, Kerry; Jim Glennon, TD, Dublin; JP Phelan, Senator, Kilkenny; Simon Coveney, TD, Cork; Sean Power, TD, Kildare.

The other team coach, Cork TD Batt O'Keeffe, might have got a whiff to the Belvedere turf too if he'd only remembered the clocks going forward and train departure times.

At 11 hours forward, Australia presents a particular challenge for him but he reckons he's up to it. "We have a lot of work to do but with a bit of dedication and commitment and the right attitude, I'm confident we will be at our peak for the World Cup. Especially if Jimmy gets me up in time."