From celebration to sadness
The game of cricket was quickly put into perspective following our win against Pakistan.
One of the first men to congratulate us on our shock victory was the Pakistan coach himself, Bob Woolmer.
I shook hands with him as he declared, “You deserved to win, enjoy the moment.”
Less than a day later, the very sad news filtered through that the same gentleman had died suddenly...
It is simply hard to put into words the events of the last week as I am still trying to comprehend the magnitude of Ireland’s first two games in a World Cup.
Following our tie with Zimbabwe, we had only a day to recover before the crunch match against Pakistan.
We knew that if ever there was a chance for Ireland to beat the fourth best team in world cricket then St Patrick’s Day was it.
Bowling first, conditions were ideal for us and, with an extra thousand or so supporters in the ground, there was an atmosphere building at a phenomenal rate.
As we claimed Pakistan wicket after wicket I could sense the belief growing within the stadium that we were in for something special.
Bowling Pakistan out for 132, gave us the chance for the biggest of World Cup upsets.
Every run we scored was cheered and with 15 needed for victory and three wickets remaining many of the same supporters were going through the agony for the second day out of three.
We got over the finishing line thanks to a world class innings by Niall O’Brien and his composed brother Kevin.
Needless to say I was down the pavilion steps and onto the ground in a flash as the St. Patrick’s Day party was just about to begin.
Our lap of honour was a moment I will cherish as people dressed in leprechaun outfits, silly hats, draped in flags, shamrocks a plenty and many bare-chested but ‘burnt’ from a day in the sun, crammed against the barriers to show us what our efforts had meant to them.
Three hours later we were still in the dressing rooms, having clambered into one of the stands to share the moment with some of those supporters that had sung every song they knew throughout the day.
You really had to be there to believe it because words will not do it justice.
The Ireland team travelled to the supporters’ resort of Ochos Rios where the party went into overdrive.
However, as we shared time with them and our families on the beach the following day, the sad news about Woolmer filtered through.
And that really brought us back to earth with a bump.
Our final group game is on Friday against the hosts, the West Indies.
Can we really pull another shock out of the bag? Why not!
fingers crossed for you guys! suspect all of england is rooting for you - after all, every chance we wont make it to the super 8, and we will need someone to get behind.... :D
Complain about this postI was rooting for Ireland on saturday. Being an englishman, I was in the odd position of watching on TV in a bar in Glasgow where I was in a band on stage playing a St, Patrick's Day gig. What a great moment and how fitting on St. Patrick's Day.
Shame that the irish and glaswegians present didn't seem to share my interest in the event. Afterwards I was going round saying "come on - it's like Partick Thistle beating Brazil!". Partick who? Like if it's not old firm or played with a pointy ball, it's not worth watching.
What a shame for the irish team that the sad and untimely death of Bob Woolmer must have tarnished this great victory.
Complain about this postCongrats to the Irish - you deserve to win. I hope you can beat the West Indies. In fact, I hope you win the whole thing. Would be such a turn up!
Complain about this postI would never be cheering for Ireland (or another team) as I am English and want them to do well. People like Ireland, Scotland and Wales suffer from a complex called small nation syndrome and I can guarantee if England were in the final they would be willing us to lose so they have someone to wind up the following day.
suspect all of england is rooting for you - to say this absolute rubbish
If a team does well then fair play, but I would not be willing them to win or lose as those on the other side of the fence do (Ireland, Scotland, Wales).
Complain about this postI would never be cheering for Ireland (or another team) as I am English and want them to do well. People like Ireland, Scotland and Wales suffer from a complex called small nation syndrome and I can guarantee if England were in the final they would be willing us to lose so they have someone to wind up the following day.
suspect all of england is rooting for you - to say this absolute rubbish
If a team does well then fair play, but I would not be willing them to win or lose as those on the other side of the fence do (Ireland, Scotland, Wales).
Complain about this postWhat a fantastic win for you lads!!! Sitting in a pub in Dundalk and nothing i could say would convince the barman to change the tv but eventually he relented! great result, great passion and such a boost for Irish cricket. I'd say that everything from here on in is a bonus but i know you probably want to win the whole thing! You're doing the country proud, North and South and i can't wait to see the match against the Windies! Munster Rugby have a saying, Stand up and Fight!, You've certainly done that and you've won against all the odds
Complain about this postI would like to say that the comments from Anonymous or Chopper are appreciated in Ulster/Ireland. We (Ulster) are part of the UK and we like to see England and our other home nations do well and we congratulate them. Never once have I heard an Ulster/Irish man give abuse about how well England did in the Ashes Series in 2005.
I would like to see the comments from these two, obviously unsporting cricket onlookers, retracted as they are a disgrace to the spirit of cricket.
Complain about this postWith a Scottish mother and Indian father I am willing both of these sides to do well but I don't think I've ever wanted a side to win more than Ireland deserved to on Saturday - It was fantastic even as I was banished to the kitchen to listen to the nerve racking finish on the radio .
Complain about this postKeep it going !
What, the Irish team were partying after winning!
Complain about this postWill you all be banned from the next match...
chopper
I have never supported Ireland in Rugby or Football, but for heaven's sake there's no need to so ungracious in this context. What they are achieving at this World Cup is joyful to behold and I - like many other Englishmen - are keen for them to keep doing well. Do you honestly support any team over Scotland/Wales/Ireland whatever the context just for the sake of it? Dear me
Complain about this postCongratulations the Irish. A remarkable achievement and all my wishes for the rest of the tournament. Keep the belief going and keep playing like you have been. Hope to see you progress.
A Welshman
Complain about this postI live in Irland and was born in Kent. I watched Bob Woolmer play for county and country.
Go on boys, go and beat the Windies for Bob !!
good luck.
Complain about this postMark.
Chopper....I think its not small nation syndrome at all.
Perhaps we marvel at the fact that a large country like England who appears in most national sports to either not be able to find a group of players who truly are either proud or good enough to play for their country have fallen so low in so many sports including cricket.
Ireland as a small nation have played well above their and their fans expectations in most sports (although soccer team is not going so well) so its no wonder we are proud of our acheivements as a "Small Nation"..... we may have small nation syndrome (and i take that as a compliment by the way) .... perhaps you have small brain syndrome and are slighty jealous ...deep down!!!!!!!
Complain about this postCongratulations to Ireland. Surely their performances have justified the inclusion of "smaller" teams in the World Cup.
Also the way I read it a heavy win for the Windies today against Zwimbabwe and Ireland and the Windies are both through before their last games.
With Zwimbabe reduced to 46 for 3 Ireland could be into the Super eights before the day is out.
Oce again congratulations on an amazing performance.
Complain about this postTo start off with, post 4/5, you must be an idiot on 2 counts.
1st, you posted your comment twice, so you can't follow simple instructions.
2nd, England and Wales play as the same country, ie the England and Wales Cricket Board. Also that Glamorgan (Welsh) have always played in the county championship. So your argument that "I am English and want them to do well. People like Ireland, Scotland and Wales suffer from a complex called small nation syndrome" doesn't make any sense, being that Wales is part of English cricket. (Sorry to all the Welsh for rubing their noses in this fact)
I think that Ireland doing well is the best thing for world cricket. It might stop the "Olde Boys" of cricket keeping most of the money/games amongst themselves. Cricket has the oportunity to make strides that rugby union has failed to do, spread the wealth and teaching across the small "minor" nations. If they can grab hold of this with both hands, cricket can be the truely #2 world sport, within only a couple of years.
What if all the profits they made from the WC they gave to the minor nations. Australia, England, India, West Indies, NZ, SA, Pakistan, even Si Lanka, don't really need that money. They all play each other enough amongst themselves without letting anyone else into their select club. Spread the Luv!!
Last but not least, I want to congratulate the BBC for their web coverage of the WC. I'm in NZ, and having to enjure only the NZ matches live on pay TV and nothing else, your coverage is the best i've found. Live ball by ball text via PC is great. Also working with RTE over comentory for the Ireland radio coverage is a great step. 2 national broadcasters working together advertising each other shows what progress can be made. Beats the days when the weather stopped below the NI border!!
Good luck to all in the WC, and hope there are many more great matches.
Complain about this postChopper - ...grow up. I'm English too, and guess what? I was rooting for Ireland on Saturday too. Quite apart from the fact that Ireland are fantastic ambassadors for the game, having already dumped Pakistan out, it would be awesome if they could damage West Indies hopes too.
Ireland deserved their win. If you want to be so narrow-minded that you can't see past England's fortunes, then so be it. Don't come on here criticising people because of where they come from and who they support.
Complain about this postI think chopper needs someone to get his teddy back as its well and truly outside now.
Complain about this postChopper Ed Joyce is Irish, I'm Irish and I watched the Ashes hoping ye would win, so we may suffer from small nation syndrome but at least when we lose we d'ont pout.
Dry your eyes Chopper!
You're darn right that everyone wants England to lose! I believe you lot suffer from 'divine right to win everything but in reality, we're not very good' syndrome!
A fantastic performance by Ireland - well done boys.
Bring on the Super 8!
Complain about this postBeing a Pakistani, i would like to congratulate u on ur brilliant effort. it was a deserving win. But the death of great BOB WOOMLER is herat breaking.He was a great personality. we will miss him. May his soul rest in peace.
Complain about this postI wish u pull another shock out of the bag, but i pray there are no after shocks like Bob.
keep it up
Congrats on the great win - but don't get too carried away with the celebrations there is a long way to go in this World Cup. Leave the drinking and celebrating to the fans and concentrate on the cricket.
There is no reason why Ireland shouldn't create many more shocks in this tournament. The talent is there and hopefully the attitude is there too.
Complain about this postWatched this in an irish bar in england, and all the irish there were cheering every run. Was brilliant. Dont want to get ahead of myself here, but 21st March is the probable England vs Ireland match. That i cant wait for
Complain about this postCondolences to the Woolmer family, we in the West Indies share their sadness.
Complain about this postCongrats to the Irish team. I do not think that they can beat us. Looking forward to an exciting match on Friday.
Yesternight I was waking up around 10 pm after taking afternoon nap and overslept, when the shocking news of the deaath of Bob Wolmer filtered through my dizzy mind. As a South African i know he will always have a special place in hearts. RIP
Complain about this postHey lads congrats!!
You would be amazed how many people in Dublin are following the cricket team it made the main sport headlines ahead of the Rugby team.
I watched the end of Irelands innings in a pub on Camden street central Dublin and the place was going wild.
Hopefully we will make the super 8s because I want plenty more entertainment from the boys in green.
Here's looking forward to a date with England on March 30th!!!
Complain about this postChopper - you are lowering yourself to their level and that is a good thing?
Yes maybe they don't all appreciate English performances but I follow the home nations fortunes and am big enough to support them all. As an Englishman I was delighted by the irish performance and was as nervous as they were by the last 15 runs!
I am so sorry that such a win was tarnished by Bob Woolmers passing, it is such a kick in the teeth and really does detract from a great game, in a way it reminded me of the 6/7 - 7/7 contrast in 2005.
Good luck to the Irish for the WI game, I think they have a good chance of going through as long as Pakistan can summon one final performance in Bob Woolmers honour and see off Zimbabwe.
Complain about this postThe Irish lads are a credit to their island. The hard work and years of effort are now paying off, and I think they still have another surprise in them, as there are many who have not yet performed.
The comments above need some comment. The Irish cricketing community would like to see England do well as your opening batsman is one of our own. Its as simple as that. If you don't want to support u, thats fine. By the looks of this tournament England aren't looking too good to last another week.
As for "Ulsterman"s comments, "Ulster" is 9 counties, 3 of which are in the Republic of Ireland, so please get this right. Two-thirds of Ulster is part of the United Kingdom.
Complain about this postWell done lads. We were watching the match in an Irish bar in Rome after the rugby and it was an amazing atmosphere. It really cheered us up after the depressing end of the French game. Roll on the Windies
Complain about this postIts big question how much Indian board of cricket paid to bermudan captain to throw the batting wicket to india???
Common sense say its set up
Complain about this postCongratulations to the Irish team!
I lived 100 metres from Headingley cricket ground from 1958 to 1979. I saw some great tests and some very exciting county cricket. But I have NEVER seen two games within a few days with such incredibly exciting finishes.
Seeing an IRISH cricket team doing so well brought an extra dimesnsion. I was choked!!
Thank You - and Well Done!!
All the Best to ALL of the teams: the entertainment is wonderful.
May God hold the soul of Bob Woolmer in the hollow of His hand. A lovely man. Requiescat in Pace.
Eamonn Gavin, Dublin, Ireland.
Complain about this postsimply one of the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!
irish crowd and support and the whole party-like atmosphere was just amazzzzzzzzzzzing!!!!!!!!!
hope Cricket grows in Ireland
Complain about this postAs a Scotsman i envy the group you guys are in but a massive congrats on your performances so far.
As i type this Zim have a decent chance against WI which is not what you want but it would be disappointing if you don't make the Super 8's.
Keep the Associate flag flying high!
Complain about this postFantastic play by Ireland on Saturday, you deserved the win with some good solid play against the supposed 4th ranked team in the world.
Now go and do it against the WIndies on Friday.
From another small nation resident also partaking in the World Cup - Scotland
Complain about this postJoe
Just a quick correction..... I think you'll find that one of the 'soccer' teams on the island of Ireland is performing rather well at present ;o)
As an Ulsterman, well done to every single player, coach and fan! A true credit!
Bring on the Windies!
Complain about this postIts been great watching Ireland in the World Cup. I get the feeling im not alone as an English fan in saying Im getting far more enjoyment watching Ireland play than I am with England.
It looks like Ireland are getting the rewards they deserve for the passion and preparation they are putting into this World Cup campagin, I think certain England players could take some valuable lessons from the Irish approach to the World Cup!
Complain about this postFantastic effort by the Irish. You've not only provided incredible excitement over the last few days (you were unlucky not to thrash zimbabwe) but you managed to keep my mother-in-law quiet for a few hours each day. Not sure what makes me most happy. See you in the next round - and given the sorry England performances so far, I'm a tad worried that you might do us as well!
Complain about this postTime after time we see some great teams fade away and new teams replace them, IreLand is one of the few teams this year, they have their moments, they dropped many catches in their match against Zimbawe, even then they manage to draw that game, so something special about them, i must say be humble and continue to enjoy every moment of your success.
Complain about this postI was born a Pakistani, but for the rest of the world cup I'm Irish! I will be rooting for the St. Patrick's Day boys in green. Go for it!
Complain about this postI'm also extremely saddened by the loss of Bob Woolmer, the best coach Pakistan has ever had and probably ever will! I really doubt our team will be able to concentrate on the upcoming game, they really loved the coach but didnt play hard enough for him! Maybe from now they will, in his honour!
To Chopper; anonymous.
I live in Belfast and have played cricket all my life. Ireland has never had a national cricket team of note until now. I was jumping off the couch at home as every run was scored as I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would ever see an Irish Cricket team achieve such a feat. The ony other team I have jumped with such excitement watching cricket was watching Giles and Hoggard rumble the Aussies at Old Trafford a few years back. i have followed and supported England in Cricket, Soccer, Rugby all my life and I like to see all of the home nations do well. Perhaps you should look at yourselves and give credit where it is die
Coming from Belfast and enduring the political troubles, Sport and in particular Cricket and Rugby are the great uniters. You have no idea what this means to our country so don't try to rain on our parade
From that emotional high when I heard the news of Bob Woolmer's death the next day I was shocked and stunned. It puts Sport into context somewhat and perhaps we take it a little too serious these days
Complain about this postGood article Andrew and the very best of luck to the Irish team on Friday. The Windies win today should put Ireland through.
For the first time ever I have heard people discussing cricket around the place here in Ireland. If we get through to the last 8 it should certainly keep the interest growing for another few weeks.
Never mind the begrudgers! Whichever of the home countries are doing well deserve to be supported. It is just sport! The passing of Bob Woolmer has put things in perspective. The World Cup is there to be enjoyed and can the Irish enjoy themselves!
The team has exceeded all expectations. St Patrick's Day 2007 will be forever remembered with pride.
Complain about this postI am West Indian, right here in Jamaica where I think the most interesting of the groups is battling it out. I must say that I, and most Jamaicans I have come in contact with, have fallen so much in love with the Irish. So much so that even though we play them in the most crucial group match on Friday, not much will change in our feelings towards them.
Of course we want to win to carry those much needed 2 points into the Super 8's, but the passion and team support that the Irish have is what we West Indians love to see. We dont like to go to matches to just sit in our seat and politely cheer boundaries and dismissals. We love the drama of the game and what is happening off the field also, even when we are losing. We are passionate even in our cursing of our own team. We like the way the Irish do it too. We dont do like the Indians/ Pakistanis and burn down our players houses. Instead we let them have a piece of our mind right there at the park (or through our TV screens when they are overseas).
I am not only glad the Irish are playing in World Cup 2007, but glad they are playing right here in Jamaica. They have great fans and I have cheered them on so far. I will be for the West Indies friday, but if the Irish win I wont be too cut up about it. I hope if they make the next round that Antigua & Barbuda/Grenada/Guyana/Barbados will enjoy having them in their country as much as we have enjoyed them here in Jamaica.
Complain about this postMy parents lived in Ireland for nearly a year back in 1983 and still have close friends there and so i already feel like I have a connection with the Irish. I've been cheering them on and wish them all the best...fans and team are a great lot. They certainly show talent and lots of gusto. Got to respect that!
Must say as a West Indian and Jamaican I'm looking for a Windies win.....Rally round the West Indies!!!!
Complain about this postTo the Irish - congratulations. I hope you don't end up as perpetual chokers like your big neighbours, England. Chopper's maudlin and petty character seems atypical (and I hope it is) of any decent englishman. With any English team, be it in cricket or football, or any other sport, it seems like everyone wants them to win except for the team itself. Often times, they make a favourable initial impression, the English media start treating them as gods, and suddenly then forget the very basics of their game play. I guess they lack consistency, and a fair bit of that might have to do with mental strength, or the lack of it. Whether or not the 'small nation syndrome' is a substantial problem with small nations, I do not know. But one thing I can say for sure is that the Irish, in as far as cricket is concerned, should try and not get carried away by their victory against Pakistan. What they did was brilliant, but let it just be a good start, rather than the epitome of all their hard work and talent(Hint hint - about time you pulled up your socks Flintoff and Co.) : )
Oh btw, I am not from the UK, so I hope my comments do not seem biased towards any particular side.
Complain about this postWell done to Ireland but don't get carried away,this is a long tough tournamount and the likely outcome for Ireland is that they will take some heavy beatings during this World Cup.The fact they have done so well is excellent and is good for the minows of world cricket but anyone expecting them to be a mayor force after one victory against the big boys is very narrow minded.Bangledash have been an emerging nation for a while and they have always struggled for consistancy.As for the people having a go at English cricket grow up ,they are a well established cricketing nation who have earned the right to be a mayor force in International cricket.
Complain about this postIRELAND WELL DONE!!!!
whitey, i couldnt leave the TV all day on Sat it was unbelieveable, what a victory!!!!!
but i am so jealous cuz i want to be out there with all the guys, supporting the boys in emerald green,
great to see both sides of the community pulling together to support you all,although it is very funny seeing all the north west with their ulster flags and Northern Ireland tops mingling with the southern supporters with their flags and ireland gear lol
would love to see the team go even further
all the best lads!!!
tell Bray to stay away from all women and Ricks Chippy!!!!
Complain about this postI'm a keen follower of associate cricket and unlike some people I could mention I would love to see the game expand throughout the world. For that reason I was absolutely delighted with the Irish win last Saturday - although I am an Englishman I am under no illusions as to the ODI abilities of my side and I will be enjoying watching Ireland's progression through the Super 8s as much as that (hopefully) of my own team. So good luck to Ireland - and especially Niall O'Brien (our loss is Northants' gain). Here's hoping that you do the associate members proud!
Complain about this postRE: ULSTERMAN
Ulster is not part of the UK, Northern Ireland is however. Quick lesson for you mate, Ulster is 9 nine counties, only six are part of the UK
Complain about this postFantastic fantastic
I'd like to thank you for going out of your way to adressing my complaint to the bbc for their shoddy timing of cricket coverage. Midnight is no use to a hard working man,with a mouth to feed. Therefore i was delighted you and your team mates have taken the proverbial bull by the horns and progressed through to the super 8stage.Surely now the BBC will have to screen your further exploits at a more reasonable time of day in tune with the hectic schedule of the working man. Seeing as your in the "doing a good turn" frame of mind why dont you lads really push the boat out and win the whole thing.(No pressure but i'v bet the house on it).
Good luck lads enjoy the day and don't forget the suncream.
P.S who mentioned england anyway some people are just so "me me me". that boy has issues
Complain about this postWhito!
Great to see the Irish doing so well, congratulations! Must be an awesome experience. Got the fingers crossed for the windy's!
Good to see a fellow Regent and Ards man doing so well. Keep 'er lit!
Ricky Willis
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