Irish rugby fans seek their own Archie Gemmill moment!

Came across an absolutely fascinating story recently - in 2008 John Low, a Scot, traveled 7,350 miles from his home in Castle Douglas to Mendoza, Argentina. Mr. Low’s reason for doing so was to re-create one of Scotland’s most famous football moments 30 years on to the day. John recruited Argentinian office workers to act as the Dutch defenders while he played out the role of Archie Gemmill, who scored a remarkable goal against Holland during the 1978 World Cup at the Estadio Malvinas.


I’ve long known, well since Trainspotting at least, how much Archie Gemmill’s goal meant to the Scottish, Ray Houghton’s header against England in 1988 or Pakie Bonner’s save against the Romanians in 1990 probably stands as a similar touchstone for Irish soccer fans. But what do the Irish rugby fans have to get obsessive about?
Winning the 1985 Five Nations was definitely a highlight, as were the recent triple crowns and, of course, beating the English within an inch of their lives in Croke Park a couple of years ago will stand out for many, but Irish rugby is in desperate need of something more substantial. Some huge moment needs to be burned into the collective memory. And, the Irish players have their opportunity to make their mark on the Irish consciousness this weekend when they visit Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
2007 probably should have been the year that Irish rugby registered its first Grand Slam in 61 years, but they slipped up on the opening day against France - another dream was crushed that day in Croke Park with another hopeful journey ending in tears.
Now is the time for the ‘golden generation’ to do it. The RBS Six Nations championship won’t do it, only the Grand Slam will. There are no more tomorrows. Irish rugby fans want their Archie Gemmill moment and they want it now!

Brian McDonnell