Optimistic Irish give voice to Grand Slam hopes

Thousands of Irish fans are preparing to shout themselves hoarse in Cardiff today as Declan Kidney's men bid to end a 60-year wait for a Grand Slam.

Supporters from all four provinces have descended on the principality in the hope of seeing history made inside the Millennium Stadium.

With most not yet born when Ireland won their only Grand Slam to date in 1948, the demand for tickets has been phenomenal.

Officially only 5,000 seats in the 75,000 capacity venue have been allocated to the Irish, but the numbers cheering on the men in green are set to be far greater with fans doing anything they can to get inside.

Even President Mary McAleese will be there to cheer her side on.

As tickets were exchanged for hundreds of pounds, the mood among the green shirts packed into the bars of St Mary’s Street last night was unsurprisingly upbeat, with most confident that the Irish can slay the Welsh Dragon.

Eamon Sweeney from Donegal said he was sure Brian O’Driscoll’s men would prevail.

“I think it will be very, very tight but I think we’ll just do it,” he said

“This Irish team is different. If they go behind they won’t panic.”

Mick Casey from Dublin wasn’t quite so sure.

“To be honest I think it’s 50/50,” he said.

“It’ll be that close.”

Belfast man Tony Burns said whatever the result the Ireland fans would party long into the Cardiff night.

“My heart says Ireland but my head says Wales,” he added.

“I just hope my heart’s right.”

It could yet be a bitter sweet day for the supporters, as Ireland can lose this evening’s game but still win the Six Nations Championship on points difference, if they avoid a 13-point defeat.