The script in Edinburgh was not as originally drafted. Defeat to Scotland punctures the prospect of a Grand Slam that had floated across the Irish sporting landscape since the win over New Zealand. It also damages our seeding prospects for the Rugby World Cup but the beauty of sport is that there is always a next game, always an opportunity to atone, always a chance to get back on the winning trail.
Aer Lingus were right to the fore of in terms of getting the nation in the right mood.
The publication of personalised Cara Magazines was a great touch for players and echoed out across social media. The recording of this Captain’s announcement on the flight out was pretty nifty as well, though whether they would have got away with a lighter moment on the return flight is open to some doubt.
