Irish rugby heroes honoured at special reception in Phoenix Park

A celebration of our rugby heroes was held yesterday as hopes of Ireland hosting the 2023 World Cup were given a huge boost.

Brian O’Driscoll and Co were honoured at a reception in Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park hosted by Sports Minister Michael Ring and Minister Leo Varadkar.

 

Some rugby fanatic TDs got in on the act by hopping in for “selfies” with players.

Mossy Maloney, 8, from Castleknock in Dublin with Irish rugby stars at Farmleigh

 

Manager Joe Schmidt said he and all his players were truly humbled by the event.

He added: “It was pretty special. I’ve been overawed by the incredibly positive reaction we’ve had.

“I think the lads have done a fantastic job. And when I say the lads, I include all the backroom staff in that as well.

“Talking

to some of them, they’ve never had the opportunity to be here and they’ve been in Ireland for nearly 50 years some of them.

“So for them to get along and feel part of Irish history is fantastic.”

Rugby stars enjoy reception at Farmleigh in Phoenix Park to celebrate Six Nations win

 

IRFU

chief Pat Fitzgerald said ongoing talks with the North’s Executive mean

our chances of putting on the 2023 Rugby World Cup spectacle have increased.

He said: “We have

met with representatives from across the border and together we have met with others to consider the proposal for a bid for 2023.

“I

believe our Six Nations triumph helps our cause as it underlines so many positives such as the popularity of rugby on this island, the enormous demand that exists for tickets and the top class infrastructure

we have.”

Article source: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/347499/England-20-Australia-28-Jonny-Thurston-too-good-for-brave-England

Irish rugby heroes honoured at special reception in Phoenix Park