Ireland’s international rugby wins have put a spring in our steps

What a start to spring. Ireland goes into the annals of international rugby history for all the right reasons.

Last Saturday week, across Europe, countries echoed the roars and cheers at the interlinked matches played on rugby fields in Rome, Edinburgh and London.

Ireland having to win wasn’t enough; they had to win by more than 21 points to nullify an earlier, huge win by Wales in Rome, and still hope their old sparring partners, England wouldn’t eclipse them against the French. It seemed an impossible task for Joe Schmidt’s warriors to achieve. After a dramatic performance, achieve it they did — giving Ireland back-to-back championship wins.