Time for everyone to take reality check

IF THE Welsh public are guilty of bouts of extremism when assessing the well being or otherwise of their national side, then we in Ireland suffer similar mood swings.

Given the more upbeat nature that exists after recent performances following the doom and gloom that infiltrated post-World Cup, a reality check is required every now and then.

The first point worth making was succinctly articulated by Donnacha O’Callaghan in his emotional post match interview at the Stade de France. He felt it necessary to reiterate this group of Irish players are as honest, committed and proud to wear the Irish jersey as any that have gone before.