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Nothing can replace that sense of pride in where you come from and who you represent in those special moments lost in your own thoughts, looking out the window of the coach en route to the stadium

ON THE ROAD: The Ireland team depart the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin for Lansdowne Road. Leaving the hotel en route to a big match is a special feeling, writes our columnist. Picture: Inpho/Gary Carr

February 25, 2020

My surroundings sparked a journey back in time. The palatial first floor room of the Shelbourne Hotel that housed a private event three days after Ireland’s disappointing 24-12 defeat to England at Twickenham was home to many an Irish team meeting during my 12-year stint as part of the Irish squad.