Ireland clinch Six Nations grand slam after victory over 14-man England

There have been some raucously celebrated green days but few to match the roar when this particular final whistle sounded. Andy Farrell’s modern Ireland were already the world’s No 1 team and now a Six Nations grand slam has been added to their lengthening honours list. In truth, though, the cheers also reflected a measure of genuine relief that their shamrock dreams had actually come true.

Even against 14 men, a red card having been shown to Freddie Steward shortly before half-time, the hosts were still just 10-9 in front with 19 minutes left. England were proving stubborn opponents and the ultimate Irish nightmare was still a faint possibility. Never before had an Ireland side clinched a slam in Dublin and the weight of history was increasingly tangible.

In the end, though, It all finished fine and dandy. Centre Robbie Henshaw surged over to ease the tension and his energetic teammate Dan Sheehan touched down his second try of the evening to kill off any prospect of a major upset. Even the sight of Johnny Sexton limping off prematurely in his final Six Nations game could not douse the Saturday night emerald fever right across the island of Ireland.

If it was far from the finest Irish display of all time – or even this season – it still sets Ireland up nicely ahead of this autumn’s Rugby World Cup. All week Ireland had spoken about playing the match not the occasion. Easily said, less easily done when an expectant nation is so awash with anticipation. Half a million people were estimated to have watched Friday’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin but, in many imaginations, Saturday’s contest felt even bigger.

With Ireland having won 21 of their previous 23 Tests, confidence was also sky high. The nearest equivalent in