Rowling and Biden hail magical Irish win
LONDON: Ireland’s historic win over world champions New Zealand has been eulogised from all quarters including Harry Potter author JK Rowling and US vice-president Joe Biden.
The Irish — coached by New Zealander Joe Schmidt — produced a scintillating display in Chicago to beat the All Blacks 40-29 holding their nerve when the Kiwis reduced the deficit from 30-8 to 33-29 with around 15 minutes remaining on the clock.
It was their first win over the All Blacks in the 29th installment of a rivalry dating to 1905.
“I take back (nearly) everything I said about 2016! Congratulations,” tweeted Scotland-born Rowling, who was referring to her disappointment at Britain voting to leave the European Union in June.
Biden had a family interest in Ireland’s rampaging fullback Rob Kearney.
“Congrats to cousin @KearneyRob on behalf of the Bidens. @IrishRugby’s 1st win over New Zealand in 111 years. History made again in Chicago,” tweeted Biden, making a reference to the Chicago Cubs having ended their World Series curse earlier this week in winning it after 108 years of trying.
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny tweeted his hearty congratulations and prayed that next year will bring his county of Mayo an All Ireland football title after several heartbreaking losses including a one point defeat in a replay to Dublin this year.
“Chicago Cubs win after 108 years. Ireland win after 111 years. Mayo to win after 66 years. Let’s do it lads! #IREvNZL,” tweeted the 65-year-old Kenny.
There were mixed feelings in French side Racing 92’s dressing room as star player Dan Carter, who inspired the All Blacks to the World Cup last year, sat and watched with former Ireland flyhalf great Ronan O’Gara, who is now a coach at the club.
“@aucklandcricket @BLACKCAPS Congratulations Ireland. A long time coming but deserved the win tonight. Someone’s happy & it’s not me @RonanOGara10pic.twitter.com/iStgCExAGn,” tweeted Carter with the tweet illustrated by a photo of O’Gara with one arm raised in triumph and the other draped round Carter’s shoulders.
O’Gara’s former Ireland teammate and rugby icon Brian O’Driscoll tweeted simply ‘So proud’.
There were also touching tributes to the late Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley, the former Ireland international and Munster coach who died last month aged 42 just prior to a European Champions Cup clash with Racing 92.
The victory was dedicated to him by the Ireland team – who also formed a figure of 8 during the All Blacks haka in tribute to his position as No8 – and by others on twitter.
“Last time an Irish team (Munster) beat New Zealand was 1978 with Brendan Foley (Antony’s father) as lock. Today Ireland won after a minute silence for his son. #IREvNZL,” tweeted Elaine Byrne.
England’s 2003 World Cup winning coach Clive Woodward was ecstatic and added this put some perspective on the British and Irish Lions hopes of a second series win over the All Blacks next year.
“Brilliant, totally brilliant - this result sets up Lions, confirms as many believe @AllBlacks getting carried away with their own publicity” tweeted Woodward, who endured a miserable tour of New Zealand as Lions coach in 2005. AFP