On a Cardiff evening of relentless tension and improbable drama, Ireland delivered their glorious Slam writes Patrick Collins in the Mail on Sunday.
"The roar which greeted Jones's failure went ringing triumphantly across the Irish Sea. For sporting success was never more timely or more joyous. Recession has attacked Ireland with singular savagery. Unemployment soars, unrest is threatened, national bankruptcy is fearfully mooted. The ancient agony of emigration raises its awful head, and an emergency Budget promises nothing but pain.
"A Grand Slam offers no solution to their problems, but it lifts the spirits, it raises hopes, encourages expectations, even permits heady talk of 'the indomitable Irishry'. In short, it helps heal the wounds and divisions, touching emotions which politics cannot reach. Its power should not be scorned or derided."
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