Hugh Farrelly looks ahead to the weekend's Heineken Cup action by remembering a watershed moment for Ireland last season in The Irish Independent.
“The Ireland squad's brainstorm session in Enfield a year ago is now regarded as a seminal event in the history of Irish rugby - a Magna Carta moment that proved to be a launch pad for 12 months of unprecedented achievement.
“Ireland, adjusting to a fresh coaching regime, had just toiled through a difficult November series while a Munstersecond/third string had produced a wonderfully combative and skilful performance which very nearly caught out a shell-shocked All Blacks side at Thomond Park.
“And in that Co Meath retreat, Leinster full-back Rob Kearneybrought up the awkward issue of the Munster players transferring their legendary, long-established spirit to the green jersey.
“After some initial bristling, Kearney's concept was embraced and the upshot was a 10-match unbeaten run in 2009, incorporating a first Grand Slam in 61 years and victory over world champions, Tri Nations title-holders and Lions conquerors South Africa.”
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