Before the host nation’s World Cup opener in UCD on Wednesday evening, a group of international players were lounging around the campus student centre fixated on the second game at the Bowl.
USA and Italy were doing battle and the Irish women’s squad were all gathered to run an eye over it before they readied for the pressure that comes with playing a major tournament on home soil.
You could tell what it meant to them, even then, even hours before kick off in their 19-17 win. England had just sent a frightening message of intent to the rest of the planet that they mean business after ripping Spain to shreds and maybe a response was on the minds of the Irish ladies or maybe it was just getting their own jobs done.
All of them looked steely-eyed, faces glazed over, almost emotionless as they watched the Americans beat Italy by double scores and, by the time 7 o’clock rolled around, they were ready. They had been for some time in fairness.
In the changing rooms, messages were dotted around the walls as flags of green draped down.
Inpho Photography had access up close and personal to some of the country’s biggest stars readying for one of their biggest evenings and it was a brilliant insight for Joe Public to witness these defining moments before the storm hit.
‘We are Irish’ one of the most notable signs read. Simple. Proud.
Effective reminders of who these ladies are, what they represent and what they’ve done to get to this point were prevalent.
The fighting Irish.
The place was a haven for primed athletes preparing for attack. It was its very own war room and, one by one, as the players arrived, you could see the focus and determination.
Jenny Murphy sat still, head bowed, tuned in, nearly caged. What she delivered when she burst out of those changing rooms spoke for itself.
Eimear Considine was going over last-minute notes, like a student who had done all the work but wanted to cram anyway just in case.
Claire Molloy was more relaxed but, however they all got there, they were ready for business when the call to arms came.
Tom Tierney delivered his final team talk, everyone hanging on his word, as the team came together – no longer in their own zone, now one unit.
Soon, it was go time and Claire Molloy offered the final rousing thoughts.
We are Irish.
What transpired was a nation brought to its feet.
In their homes, an average of 191,300 watched Ireland’s win over Australia. That number peaked at 322,300.
And from generation to generation, the Irish women inspired the country.
Bring on Sunday.
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