23/03/2009

Historical Victors Return To Thousands Of Supporters

The historic 'Grand Slam' win by the Irish national Rugby team has seen thousands of supporters take to Dublin's streets to welcome home the players.

After a shockingly tense climax to Ireland's first grand slam win of the six nation's tournament since 1948, the team were met by a welcome party of 17,500 who turned out at Dawson Street in the capital.

Led by the fearless captainship of Brian O'Driscoll, who is considered to be Ireland's greatest ever rugby players, Ireland defeated every other team in the competition to claim the Grand Slam trophy.

Their final game against a brutal Wales came down to the last kick in the game, as Welsh outhalf Stephen Jones had a 48-metre penalty in the dying seconds to take the title away from Ireland.

However, the centre-of-pitch kick fell short by a few feet as the Irish crowd erupted around the stadium.

Irish President Mary McAleese, along with British Prince Andrew presented the team with the Six Nation's Trophy as fireworks exploded and cheers rang around Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

The management and team arrived at Dublin Airport yesterday afternoon and a civic reception is being held for the team outside the Mansion House.

(DW/BMcC)

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