Ahern praises GAA, fans after Irish rugby win

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has paid tribute to Irish rugby fans and the GAA after the Six Nations game in which Ireland beat England passed off without incident this evening.

Meanwhile, gardaí say three people were arrested in the city centre following a demonstration organised by Republican Sinn Féin.

The party were opposed to the singing of the English National Anthem at Croke Park.

After handing in a letter of protest to the GAA, RSF had planned to end its Drumcondra Road protest at 5.30pm.

But half an hour early the group of around 60 moved and ended up at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square.

There party president Ruari Ó Brádaigh addressed the crowd and told protestors the demonstration had been a job well done.

But within minutes a minor scuffle broke out and two people were arrested.

A group of around 30 youths, many wearing hoodies and covering their face with scarves, walked down O'Connell St and through Temple Bar before returning to O'Connell Street.

Further arrests took place there after one of the youths kicked over a motorcycle.

A spokesperson for RSF said many non-party members had joined the protest and none of the arrested were members.

Inside the stadium the mood was positive and anticipated booing of the English National Anthem did not materialise.

RSF's letter objected to the hosting of the English rugby team and the playing of 'God Save The Queen' at Croke Park.

The association's president, Nickey Brennan, did not accept the letter in person but Mr Ó Brádaigh described the exchange as dignified, and said the main priority was that it was accepted.

Security was tight for the historic encounter with 1,000 gardaí on duty as 82,000 fans packed the GAA stadium.

Cars allowed pass through security cordons around the stadium were being thoroughly searched, and the Garda Helicopter is monitoring the city centre and the surrounding area.

All around the venue building sites were cleared or secured as part of security measures.

Earlier this week President Mary McAleese had said she hoped the English team would receive a welcome to beat all welcomes when they ran out.