Golden times for Irish sport – and the Irish abroad show the best version of ourselves

We’re spoiled, but all that success would add up to a banquet without a main course if the Republic of Ireland men’s senior team wasn’t able to bring something of its own to the table

HERO: Scarfs featuring Troy Parrott before the game in Prague. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Italy had its Renaissance, Britain reached a peak in the Victorian era. We’re living through the Golden Age of Irish sport.

There was a time when Ireland’s rugby team was the habitual possessor of the Five Nations’ wooden spoon. Andy Farrell’s side has won a Grand Slam, two Six Nations titles and four Triple Crowns in the last five seasons.