Schools’ Wins Rated As Biggest Achievement

…The Ireland Schools side lining up before last April’s 9-3 win against France at Dubarry Park, Athlone…

The Ireland Schools side’s three wins over England, Wales and France last spring have been rated by irishrugby.ie as Irish rugby’s best achievement of 2005.

The hat-trick of victories polled a whopping 47% (689 votes) in our latest poll. We asked you: “What was Irish rugby’s best achievement of 2005?”

We received 1457 votes over the festive period, with Ireland Schools’ second hat-trick of wins against their Home Nation counterparts in the space of three seasons proving to be the landslide winner.

For the record, Peter Melia’s young charges beat England 27-18 at Temple Hill on March 26 last with tries from Cian Healy, Vasily Artemiev (2) and Adam Bartholomew. Fly-half Brian Collins added two conversions and a penalty.

On April 2, Ireland romped to a 33-13 victory against Wales at Pontypool RFC. Shane Hanratty, Artemiev, David Pollock were on target with a try apiece. The accurate Collins kicked three conversions, a drop goal and two penalties, with James Shiells adding a late penalty of his own.

Castleknock’s Collins proved to be a key man again against France – he kicked three penalties to secure the Irish a 9-3 win in Athlone on April 8.

Out of the other poll options, Ireland’s RBS Six Nations win against England (19-13) at Lansdowne Road on February 27 ranked second with 21% (317), third was Shannon winning their seventh AIL title in May with 16% (239).

Having 11 Ireland players picked in the original Lions squad for the 2005 tour garnered 9% (135), while Munster’s Celtic Cup triumph in May came in fifth, polling 5% (77).

Many thanks to all those who voted…