MEMBERS OF the Irish rugby team arrive back in Dublin today, where the homecoming is likely to be muted and no official reception is planned.
The majority of the squad will arrive in Dublin via Wellington, Auckland, Dubai and London at 3.35pm on Aer Lingus flight EI165, while some of the squad will arrive in Shannon, Cork and Belfast at about the same time.
Many of the players who lost out to Wales in the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup in Wellington are not likely to be on any of the aircraft which touch down in Ireland this afternoon, with some taking advantage of a two-week break before they rejoin their clubs to go on sun holidays.
Seán O’Brien, who developed something of a cult following online while Ireland was in the tournament, announced his plans via Twitter yesterday. “Thanks a million for all the support over the past month, a tough one to take at the weekend,” he tweeted. “Off to Dubai now for a few days in the sun.”
While the response to the Irish exit has been one of obvious disappointment from fans and players alike, the general consensus among both is that the better team won on the day.
