GAME PLANS... HOW LEO’S AWAY TEAM AIM TO CATCH MATCH
OUR GOVERNMENT Ministers may be spread all over the world attending various St Patrick’s Day events today, but there’s little doubt they’ll be wondering what is happening at Twickenham by the time the 2.45pm kick-off rolls around. So where will they be?
Taoiseach LEO VARADKAR
THE Taoiseach is visiting the US, and said the game is ‘significant in so many ways, especially on St Patrick’s Day’. He added: I have a packed morning of functions, including taking part in the New York parade, meeting the Mayor Bill de Blasio, and attending the annual Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral, but I really hope I can see some of the first half, probably in an Irish bar. And I’ll try to catch the rest of the game later in the day.’
Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs, MINISTER SIMON COVENEY
MR Coveney has been in China nurturing trade relationships and will be flying home from Hong Kong just as the game gets under way. But he’s ‘hoping the airport WiFi and the RTÉ Radio app will mean he can listen to the first half’, his spokesman told the Irish Daily Mail yesterday.
Minister for Agriculture, MICHAEL CREED
THE Cork man has been representing the Government in London and, as such, got the plum job of going to the match at Twickenham. He said: ‘The period around St Patrick’s week is of significance to the Irish community in Britain and, furthermore, an exciting week for UK-Irish relations, with Cheltenham as well as Ireland’s attempt in Twickenham to garner [just our] third Grand Slam in history, underlining our shared interests and friendly rivalry in a number of sporting spheres.’
Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, JOSEPHA MADIGAN
THIS is the Dublin-Rathdown TD’s first experience of a ministerial St Patrick’s Day trip, but she will also have to accept some of the sacrifices that come with promotion. Ms Madigan will be leading the parade in Stockholm, Sweden, as the game gets under way – and will have to settle for the highlight reels.
Minister for Finance, PASCHAL DONOHOE
DESPITE being an avid rugby fan, Mr Donohoe is also set to miss out. Although he is in Argentina, where rugby is popular, some unfortunate scheduling means he will be attending a number of events in the city of Luján, near Buenos Aires. But like Leo, he might pop into an Irish pub if the chance arises.
Minister for Justice, CHARLIE FLANAGAN
CHARLIE Flanagan is travelling further than any other minister this year – celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Australia. ‘The time difference makes it very difficult and I don’t think he’ll be able to watch it’, his spokesman said yesterday.
Junior Defence Minister, PAUL KEHOE
MR Kehoe will spend the day in Lebanon with the soldiers of the Defence Forces deployed to UNIFIL. He is due to attend the 111th Infantry Battalion’s Medal Parade, but ‘as an avid sports fan, he will endeavour to watch... if the schedule allows’, a spokesman said.
Health Minister, SIMON HARRIS
MINISTER Harris cancelled his planned trip to the Netherlands and Belgium this weekend as he felt it was inappropriate in light of the hospital trolley crisis.
Communications Minister, DENIS NAUGHTEN
THE Minister has cleverly completed his mission to Canada in time to return for the match. He will be in Ballinasloe ‘watching and taking part in the parade’.
Social Protection Minister, REGINA DOHERTY
MS Doherty arrived back from Paris last night and plans to watch the game with her family.