The oldest international rugby venue in the world, Lansdowne Road, and its brand new 51,700 all-seater Aviva Stadium opened its doors to the world on Saturday 31 July 2010. Here is my virtual tour as I sat in awe of this wonderful new stadium. Continue reading ‘A Virtual Tour of the Newest Stadium in the Oldest Venue’
Archive for the 'Rugby' Category
And so the dream was taken away by the better side on the day, Scotland (20-23). It was interesting, when I asked Scottish fans before the game to forecast the result, all but one said ‘A Win!’. The other singular Scottish voice said he forecasted ‘a good weekend!’
Continue reading ‘The Sacred Venue Bears No Crown But Just The Mantle Of Nobility’
Welsh fans are amazing. Last year, when Ireland finally won our long awaited Grand Slam in Cardiff, I couldn’t help feeling that the Welsh celebrated it as much as we did. A year later I’m back in Dublin for Wales’ last international rugby match ….
Continue reading ‘Welsh Fans Are Amazing’
I recently learned something wonderful about the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team from 31 years ago. It was kindly sent to me by former Ireland and Lions sensational wing forward, Fergus Slattery whom I met in South Africa during the Lions tour this summer.
Continue reading ‘A Maori Prayer for Donal Caniffe’s Dad’
I was personally thrilled to see the Lions win the third and final test match with the Springboks. And mathematically ………..
Continue reading ‘Lions Tour Ends Honourably’
I’m in Joburg wondering how the Lions will do on Saturday in the third and final test.
Continue reading ‘South African Sportsmanship’
I went to the wonderful 74,500 seater Millennium Stadium in Cardiff last Saturday to watch the Irish rugby team take on the 6 Nations champions, Wales. Both sides were going for glory. Before the kick-off I witnessed a fantastic moment of sportsmanship.
Continue reading ‘Opposition Fans Sing Our Song’
As rugby is very much on my mind with the 6 Nations in full motion and, Ireland looking for their first Grand Slam since 1948, a magical moment of sportsmanship was revealed only two weeks ago from a a match that was played over 30 years ago.
Continue reading ‘The mighty All Blacks march as Snow White’s dwarfs’
I was totally engaged by RTE’s Ryan Tubridy’s warmth and George Hamilton’s lovely sportsmanship stories, and I have to say, delighted by the response from listeners who sent in some new stories about sportsmanship.
Continue reading ‘RTE Radio 1 Sportsmanship Chat with Ryan Tubridy, George Hamilton & Me’
“This was one of those sporting occasions which transcends a game and makes bolder statements about humanity……………….during one of Donald’s earlier, and also crucial, kicks, the silence was broken only by the barking of a dog from outside the stadium.”
Continue reading ‘Silence was broken by a dog barking outside the packed stadium’
