On Saturday the 8th of March, it was truly a great day for Irish rugby. Not only did Ireland hammer Italy into the ground, with an amazing score of 46-7, but it was also Irish hero, Brian O’Driscoll’s last home game in Ireland. He left in style becoming the worlds most capped player and also becoming man of the match.
The match itself was a work of art. With only seven minutes in, Irelands hero gave an amazing pass to Johnny Sexton to score there first try. Italy soon equalized when Leonardo Sarto got an unbelievable try but it wasn’t for long. Ireland, with the strength of the home crowd soon pulled ahead and were beating Italy 17-7 at half time.
Throughout all of the second half Ireland played as if their life depended on it! BOD played some really inspirational rugby. But to everyone’s disappointment (even the Italians) Brian went off for the last time to a standing ovation from the stadium and probably the world. The game, high on Brian’s success soon finished with an amazing score of Ireland-46, Italy-7.
After the match there was an emotional ceremony for Brian O’Driscoll. Trying his best not to cry Brian received the man of the match medal thanking the crowd for all the support through the years. Watching Brian play that match you’d be proud to be Irish. Our local rugby fanatic, Mr Lonergan said “It was amazing to be there on the day. Seeing Brian’s last match in Ireland was real emotional stuff. I hope Ireland can advance and win the six nations! Good luck Ireland against France.” The emotional ceremony took so long that the women’s match had to be postponed for a while.
It was amazing to be in the Aviva that day. This day will go down in history. The world’s best rugby player has taken his finale steps. Nobody will see his likes again, and St. Ailbe’s school were there to see it all.
By Liam Corcoran.
