Grand Slam defence - Sport can lift Irish spirits

As is pointed out elsewhere on this page, sport played an important role for Irish immigrants in gaining social recognition and national respect in the United States, as well as helping to develop national self-esteem here during the early years of the last century.

People will remember the lift that Stephen Roche gave the nation with his victories in the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and the World Cycling Championship in 1987 at the height of the last economic recession. At the same time the Irish soccer team qualified for the finals of a major championship for the first time.

The following year the Republic of Ireland beat England at Stuttgart. The team performed magnificently and only just missed out on qualifying for the semi-finals of the European Championship.

Last year after 61 years, Ireland won only its second grand slam in rugby. The team lines out in Paris today in what will unquestionably be one of the most difficult legs in repeating last year’s achievement.

A win today would be all the sweeter when one thinks of the nightmare of the last time an Irish team played in the same Paris stadium. That was when Thierry Henry handled the ball in setting up the goal that denied Ireland the chance of qualifying for this year’s World Cup finals in soccer.

Rugby has, of course, been one of the more progressive sports in recognising the importance of using modern technology to help referees officiate most effectively.

The whole country will be behind the Irish team today. It can play an important role in lifting the spirits of not just the nation but also the whole island of Ireland. Vive l’Irlande!