Ah yes, that whole weekend feels like a wonderful dream.

Flew over with the team on the Charter flight. Arrived and drank some mulled wine in the Christmas market. Spent a great evening in the Irish bar, including a trip down to Trevor Brennans place.
Woke up the next morning, and ran into Gavin Duffy and Buckley (I think) in the hotel lift. Told them that if they played like we drank the night before, then we'd definitely win.
Sat outside the hotel, watching the team practicing line-outs. Saw Mul give Denis a right verbal beatdown for missing his lift on a few occasions.
I remember getting the bus to the game, and people were making predictions. I predicted a win for Connacht. It got a good laugh from everyone.
Then the game itself. The Clan had outdone itself. So many of us in the same area behind the goal posts, making a great noise.
The last few seconds being so incredibly tense. I had been to the Ireland vs NZ game only a few weeks earlier, and saw Ireland lose after 80 minutes. The fear that this would happen again.
Then the final whistle went. We had won. My travel companion had lost track of the score, and thought we had gained a LBP. His disbelief when he read the score line again.
Meeting the players in the airport after the game, and giving them a well deserved round of applause. The flight home was a little quiet. I think everyone was just realising what had happened. Arrived back to Dublin airport and jumped in a cab. Tried to explain to the driver what I had experienced. He knew nothing about rugby. Got home. My wife was still angry with me about something that had happened on the Friday night. I didnt mind.
Went to work on the Monday morning, and my boss and director were shocked to see I had made it in. They promised me that no one would be allowed bother me all day.

What a weekend.

Ridiculed by some leinster fans here in the big smoke, I was told to put my money where my mouth was. I duly obliged with €5 at 25/1

For me Edinburgh no doubt! The Ferry ...The Camper van.... The game ....The Absolute joy!! ..... The carnage..... The blinding Headache!....The best feeling ever.......

I would have to put Edinburgh before It but an unbelievable result all things considered.

That was the start of it in my eyes. Some day!

Still the best moment of my life when the whistle has blown in the Ernest Wallon Stadium.

Five years ago today

Toulouse 14-16 Connacht