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About Ireland
Since the establishment of the Republic of Ireland, the island of Ireland has been split into two political entities, the Republic and Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. However, unlike football, where rugby union is concerned, the two countries play as one, generally a praiseworthy victory for sport over politics.
The interest in the sport of Rugby Union in Ireland was kindled by students at Dublin University who had played the game at English public schools. The first international match against England was in 1877 and the first in what was to become the home of Irish Rugby, Lansdowne Road, Dublin, was in 1878. In time individual victories were recorded against each of the other home countries.
Since the inception of the Rugby World Cup, Ireland have participated in every tournament and except for 1999 and 2007 have always reached the quarter final stage.
Ireland have participated in the Home Nations tournaments from the outset coming top of the table in 1896 and winning the Triple Crown three years later in 1899. The first match against France was a notable victory, beating the French 19-8, their highest points tally and a record five tries. In 1926, Ireland went into their final Five Nations match unbeaten and with the Grand Slam at stake lost to Wales in Swansea. Ireland again came close to a grand slam in 1927 when their sole loss was an 8–6 defeat by England.
1948 saw the elusive Grand Slam and the following year won the Triple Crown and regained the championship. The next victory was in 1974 followed up by a championship and Triple Crown in 1982 and 1985. Recent years have seen much greater success: a Grand Slam in 2009 and championship victories in 2014 and 2015, a year which saw Ireland reach second place in the World Rugby ranking table.
Thus currently Irish rugby can be potentially be ready for some of its greatest years. Let us look back at some of the heroes of the past who have played such a part in the successes of the boys from the Emerald Isle. Willie John McBride (1962-75) had 20 years of service with Ulster, 63 caps for Ireland in the lock position including eleven as captain as well as five tours with the British & Irish Lions.
John O’Driscoll (1978-86) played 26 times for Ireland and in 1982 helped them achieve their first Triple Crown since 1949. He was part of the most effective back-row unit in the history of Irish rugby.
Keith Wood (1994-2003) was capped 58 times for Ireland as hooker. Nicknamed 'The Raging Potato' because of his bald head and was also known as 'Uncle Fester' because he resembled a character in The Addams Family.
Syd Millar (1958-70) was a man totally immersed in rugby. He played 37 times for Ireland as prop and went on to be a coach and an administrator culminating in becoming chairman of the IRU in 1995 and chairman of the IRB from 2003-07.
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