6 Nations:Irish rugby fans are used to having their hopes crushed at the final hurdle, but the success of Munster in the Heineken Cup in recent years has offered our players a blueprint for winning that will, with luck, bear fruit in this year's 6 Nations. Could the game between Wales and Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday, March 21st, clinch our first championship trophy, and with luck our first grand slam, since 1948? Perhaps we're getting ahead of ourselves, but what's the point of being a sports fan if you can't dream a little?
John Galligan Travel (01-2076555, www.jgt.ie) has a one-day trip to the game for €249 per person, plus €57 in taxes, excluding match ticket. You’ll be back at Dublin Airport by 11.30pm, so you might even get to celebrate in Kielys of Donnybrook.
Munster Sports Travel and Killester Travel (www.munstersports travel.com, www.leinster sportstravel.com, 061-414717, 01-8336935) are offering a similar package to the Cardiff match and the earlier visit to Edinburgh, on Saturday, March 14th.
Heineken Cup
While we’re dreaming of future rugby victories, a number of packages are available for the Heineken Cup final, at Murrayfield, in Edinburgh, on May 23rd. Munster Sports Travel and Killester Travel (details as above) have a two-night trip, staying at Edinburgh’s four-star Carlton Hotel, for €595 per person sharing, with a guaranteed match ticket costing €70 extra.
Sports crossing
Stena Line has a sports fare, to get you to rugby or soccer matches in Britain, from €160 for a 24-hour return for a car and four passengers. It also has early departures, at 7.45am, on dates throughout 2009. These sailings arrive in Wales at 11am, giving you time to get to your destination before kick-off. See www.stenaline.ie/ferry/ special-offers/football or call 01-2047777.