Rugby heroes have shaken off a national inferiority complex

As they disembarked the team bus at the Shelbourne Hotel on their return to Dublin last Sunday, the heroes of Ireland’s Six Nations success were manhandled into the waiting embrace of Minister for Sport, Shane Ross.

Many looked startled, some slightly afraid. Or so their faces seemed to suggest.

You see, when you’ve won a Grand Slam everyone wants a piece of you, and not just publicity-hungry politicians.