Trevor Ringland: We will be supporting the Ireland rugby team against Scotland today, and cheering on England against France too
A letter from the former Ireland international Trevor Ringland:
Today, most of us in or from Ireland will be hoping the Irish rugby team secures a victory over Scotland and by doing so winning the Triple Crown as well as opening up the possibility of the Six Nations Championship.
If that occurs, then attention will switch to Paris, where, for that to be achieved, England will need to beat France. Hence, we will transfer our support to England and cheer if they achieve victory.
It will be a historic and ironic moment and one also where, for many, past hatreds are shelved, albeit for selfish interest.
True Irish rugby supporters though always remember England as the team that travelled when everyone else refused due to an IRA threat in 1973, supported the Irish bid to host the Rugby World Cup when others did not and and played on a another truly historic occasion in 2007 at Croke Park, despite all the baggage of history.
Sport reminds us that we can enjoy intense rivalry on some occasions and yet friendship and transferred support on others. There was always an alternative to violence on this island and the history of Irish rugby reflects that.
The response to the new unionist leader Jon Burrows’s comments on past actions deserves a more considered response. He is after all the leader of those that do want good relations across this island. As a member of the northern security force family, some 400,000 strong, he also recognises the courage of the Garda and Irish Army in countering violent republicanism and that they would admit they were too often constrained by their political and justice system.
As we look to the future, whatever the constitutional arrangements, there is a better conversation to be had between those of us who do want to share this island and these islands peacefully.
So, today c'mon Ireland and then hopefully England! And if Ireland lose, then all of Scotland will be supporting England!!
Trevor Ringland, Ex Ireland player, Bangor