Irish Eyes Smiling In Downtown Denver
The Ireland ‘A’ players and management took time out from preparing for Sunday’s Churchill Cup final to meet fans at the Celtic Tavern in downtown Denver during the week.
Ireland ‘A’ will meet England Saxons at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Sunday (kick-off 2.30pm local time/9.30pm Irish time). The game will be live on Sky Sports 2 and we will be running out O2 Matchday Live service here on IrishRugby.ie.
Declan Kidney, his management team and the Ireland ‘A’ players spent an hour at the Celtic Tavern pub on Blake Street which is run by Irishman Noel Hickey.
It was a rare diversion from training for the players, who are on a roll after beating Canada and Georgia on their way to their first ever final in the tournament – the premier XV-a-side rugby event in North America.
Ireland ‘A’ captain John Muldoon said: “It’s been good to meet people and they are very appreciative of us coming, Wherever you go in the world you’ll find an Irish bar and we are happy to give a bit of our time.”
Owner Hickey was delighted to welcome head coach Kidney and his players, as well as Rookie, the USA Eagles mascot.
Hickey, who moved to Denver eight years ago, said: “It’s an honour to meet the Irish squad and to have Declan here.
“To see Irish international rugby players at the Celtic Tavern is great and the boys were fantastic, chatting and mingling with people.”
Among those present was Kyle Shane, a member of the Denver Gaels Hurling and Gaelic Football Club.
“It’s great for the community that the players have come down to meet people – they all seem great lads,” she said.
“The whole GAA club is planning to go to the games at Dick’s on Sunday.”
Tickets for Churchill Cup finals day – Canada and Argentina Jaguars will contest the Plate final and the Bowl decider is between USA and Georgia – are available from www.churchillcuptickets.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods outlets or the local ticket hotline (tel: 303 534 0502).
The Celtic Tavern and Delaneys, on Blake Street in Denver, will be hosting the post Churchill Cup final party where all six international squads from the tournament will be attending. This party is also open to anyone who would like to attend.