Ireland leave for the opening Five Nations Championship game away to France.
Although Ireland were the only team to beat France last season and shared the championship with them they have not won in Paris since 1972. This experienced Irish team have been dubbed, Dad's Army by some critics. Ireland feel they have prepared well and are confident ahead of this opening game in the Five Nations Championship.
As the team depart at Dublin Airport coach Willie John McBride says the win over France last season has his team quietly going to Paris.
They have worked hard. They have prepared well. Then let's hope they can put it all together on Saturday.
Irish centre Rory Moroney admits to being a little nervous.
I am nervous but at the same time I feel that I have trained hard for this. That is giving me confidence.
Team captain Ciaran Fitzgerald is aware of the talent of the French team who are playing well at the moment.
Moss Keane when asked about Ireland's chances against France says,
We will hammer them by a point at least.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 January 1984. The reporter is Mary Fanning.
