Picking the greatest Irish tries of all-time is always a subjective task and for fans of a certain age Noel Mannion’s classic against Wales in 1989 has to be included. Now his feats have been immortalised as part of the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony.
The BBC commentator Nigel Starmer-Smith called it ‘one of the great number 8 tries of all-time’ and it certainly brought the supporters in Cardiff Arms Park to their feet back in 1989 when Noel Mannion blocked and gathered from a Welsh kick just outside the Irish 22 and went the length of the pitch to score in the corner.
Rugby fans who tuned in to the Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday night were treated to a glimpse of this great try as director Danny Boyle included a number of classic rugby moments as part of his spectacular show.
Ireland went on to win the game 19-13 with another try from out-half Paul Deans and a conversion and three penalties from the boot of Michael Kiernan.
Mannion, who made his debut against Samoa in 1988, went on to win a total of 16 international caps and scored three tries in the process.
But none of his tries will be remembered more than that spectacular first try against Wales, now part of the lore of London 2012.
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