England rugby chiefs say sorry to McAleese

THE thorns of discourtesy in the England rose were last night dulled when rugby chiefs apologised to President Mary McAleese for Sunday’s absence of etiquette before the Grand Slam decider.

Ireland's graciousness in defeat has been well illustrated by the relative absence of outrage at the discourtesy shown by the England team to President McAleese.

Yesterday, radio broadcaster Pat Kenny thought pig ignorant best described the English affront.