Mighty Munster has a message for the nation

I HAVE been an admirer of Irish rugby forward play for more than 30 years, but I cannot recall a more inspired and relentless display than that by the Munster forwards in the first half against Biarritz Olympique in Cardiff last Saturday.

In Munster, the part (the province) has long seemed greater than the whole (Ireland itself), and I look forward to the day when the green will be received with the enthusiasm that we have long grown accustomed to for the red.

Perhaps Croke Park against France next February will be the occasion for that. We can no longer (thankfully) think of the Irish as gallant losers.