Rugby heroes hail homecoming as ‘incredible’

HUNDREDS turned out at Dublin Airport yesterday to welcome home the Triple-Crown winning Irish rugby team.

Players hugged babies and signed autographs while the cheers of more than 400 supporters rang out.

Team captain Brian O’Driscoll, who lifted the Triple Crown trophy into the air with manager Eddie O’Sullivan, said he was amazed at the reaction.

“It’s an incredible reception. We weren’t anticipating this,” he said.

The 28-24 victory over England at Twickenham was achieved in the final heart-stopping moments when winger Shane Horgan scored a spectacular try in the corner.

O’Driscoll said: “We had great belief in the fact we always were in it... The fact we played right to the 80th minute was a credit to the team and I think it was the performance we’ve been waiting for in the championship.”

Scrum-half Peter Stringer got into the spirit of the occasion by posing for pictures with Sean McHugh, a four-and-a-half-month-old in Irish kit, who he nicknamed “Junior Stringer”.

O’Sullivan said the celebrations after the victory - the third over England in three years - had been quiet.

“It’s just beginning to sink in that we’ve won the Triple Crown. It was late in the day yesterday and everyone was tired and emotional. I think the guys are going to get a couple of days off to relax and enjoy themselves and deservedly so.”

The English reaction to the victory was mixed, with coach Andy Robinson saying he was upset about the three controversial tries Ireland were awarded.

O’Sullivan said: “They’ve had a tough season and they’ll be smarting after losing the last one. But they’ll bounce back from that.”

A supporter presented him with a rugby ball to sign for son saying: “Here Eddie, sign this, it’s not a new contract but you’ll definitely get one now.”

O’Sullivan, who already has a contract until the 2008 World Cup, laughed and signed the ball.

Holly Morris and Breda Orohoe, both aged 16, from Swords in Dublin said they were “absolutely chuffed” with the result.

“We were definitely sitting on the edge of our seats at the end. It was brilliant,” said Holly.

They succeeded in getting the autographs of their favourite players, O’Driscoll and Ronan O’Gara.

O’Gara said he was hugely surprised by the public’s response.

“It means a lot to the players and it set us off home in good form.”

He said the clash with England had been intense and energy sapping.

“It was difficult but I think the boys showed great character. It would have been a sickening game to lose to the English but we got there in the end.”

Flanker Denis Leamy, who came off late in the game, walked out of the airport on crutches. Another player with battle scars was hooker Jerry Flannery, whose face showed how he was targeted by the English front row in the scrum.

“I got a couple of bumps and bruises but it’s to be expected and they (the eyes) don’t feel too bad after the win,” he said.

Flannery said that even after England went in front, the team were aware they could win if they kept up their work rate.

“In the end, it came through for us. Shaggy (Shane Horgan) got a great try in the corner,” he said.

Another influential player, second row Paul O’Connell, said he was delighted with the win, although he did not class it as Ireland’s best performance during the Six Nations.

“I don’t think we really hit the 100% at any stage during the year. But we still won over in Twickenham, we dogged it out and got a late win. And winning tight games is what good teams do, so we’re very happy.”