What a series. What a season. What a win.
In truth there was very little to choose between Australia and Ireland. The Lansdowne Cup was in doubt right up the final play, with the aggregate score over the games 55-55.
It could not have been closer.
The rugby public voted with their feet and came out to support their teams, with two sell-out games and a near full AMMI Park in Melbourne.
The presence of so many Irish ex-pats was another significant factor. I’ve written before how much pride they have for where they come from, their love and passion for their country.
As an emigrant from another generation there are occasions when it tugs at the heartstrings to be away from home. All-Ireland final day and St Patrick’s Day are top of that list.
Supporting your national team in any sport must rank closely for many abroad. Throughout the series players from both sides made comment about the Irish fans and how they contributed to the match day occasion.
And rightly so as they were superb throughout. It was very moving to watch them celebrate being Irish and what it meant to them, seeing their rugby team up close, winning two games against one of the top sides in world rugby.
It’s been such an enjoyable trip Down Under and I’ve shared many great moments with my media colleagues. These tours can be challenging, especially with different time zones, but there is a great camaraderie among the travelling journalists.
In this part of the world, rugby union struggles at times for airtime, newspaper space, and for the affection of the public.
Aussie Rules, Rugby League, cricket and soccer dominate, although the order in which they dominate depends on where you live.
I have no doubt this exciting Test series will be reflected in really big crowds for the upcoming Rugby Championship. Michael Cheika is a top class rugby coach; his side play really good rugby and are getting better the longer they spend together in camp.
On this occasion however they lost out to a team that has had a remarkable season, with an outstanding management team headed up by Joe Schmidt.
A Grand Slam, achieved with away wins in Paris and London. Ten wins from 11 is some achievement.
A series win in Australia was being touted by many as the icing on the cake for the season, where even a win over 80 minutes would have broken the trend since 1979.
What made the achievement even more special was to come back from the opening day defeat in Brisbane. Only four teams have ever achieved a series win after losing the first game.
New Zealand in Australia 1932, South Africa in New Zealand in 1937, New Zealand in Australia 1984 and British and Irish Lions in Australia in 1989.
Ireland can rightly be proud of their fantastic achievement.
