So I have to write about this.  Ireland play New Zealand at rugby.

I have always watched rugby. As soon as we had a television some time in the 60s, my Father would sit us down in front of it to watch rugby internationals.  How well I remember the tragedy of Andy Hancock’s try in 1965.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvqDbSIrFBI

Ireland are in a bad way, just as after Aughrim, they have been destroyed by Australia and now, as the front of battle lowers they face New Zealand. New Zealand have been more than dominant all season and have won all 13 of their games this year. Ireland have no chance.

I am sick and jet lagged and lie sweating in my bed. I awake at 1: 00 am  and groan. I fire up my iPad and to my astonishment I find that Ireland are leading New Zealand by 22-7!

Cúchulainn

After Aughrim’s great disaster,
When our foe in sooth was master,
It was you who first plunged in
And swam the Shannon’s boiling flood,
And through Slieveloom’s dark passes,
When you led your gallowglasses,
Although the hungry Saxon wolves were howling for your blood.
And as we crossed Tipperary, we rived the Clan O’Leary,
And we drove a creach  before them as their horsemen onward came,
With our swords and spears we gored them,
As through flood and tide we bore them.

And we drove a creach before them as their horsemen onward came,
With our swords and spears we gored them,
As through flood and tide we bore them,

I leap from bed and watch the rest of the game. The battle is immense. What is left of my warrior blood boils as the Irish smash into the All Blacks. Ireland have never beaten New Zealand but this time it is it.  They are immense, warriors all. 15 seconds from the end of the game Ireland, in the lead, are attacking the All Black line. New Zealand win a ball and attack with ferocity and to the amazement of all, they score. Holy Jesus!

The battle is over

Yet our sharpened swords cut through them,
To their very hearts we hewed them,
Ah, but Seán Ó Duibhir an Ghleanna, you were worsted in the game.

I sit stunned at 3:00 am in Okinawa. I have never seen a rugby match like it. Each man who played was a hero who will tell their grandchildren that they fought in one of the great battles. I envy them.

Watch the game here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=985d5nBQjOE

Listen to the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alTA5ge7tcM