Ireland let it slip

LIKE a stray mongrel that hangs around the yard, eventually Ireland's sporting family has opened the door and let in the International Rules to their hearts.

Being a hybrid, there is always going to be imperfections. Yesterday, however, even Dublin's dirtiest day couldn't dampen the excitement generated by the final two quarters.

In the past, the punter paid to see the obligatory scrap. Things have moved on.