TWICE DURING Ireland’s Grand Slam victory over Wales last Saturday the big screen at the Millennium stadium panned to Jack Kyle in the crowd.

It’s fair to say he camouflaged any distress a deal better than most Irish fans, whose faces betrayed the emotional wringer into which they were tossed during the final moments of the match.

Kyle provided an umbilical link to the 1948 Grand Slam-winning team; a genuine world rugby icon, he had frequently expressed in recent years his desire to see the current generation adopt the mantle in winning every game in the Six Nations Championship.

On Saturday his wish was granted as he watched the match from the stands with his son Caleb and signed autographs for tearful Irish supporters in the aftermath.

A gentle man and a gentleman, his modesty is legion: it is for others to champion his place in the pantheon of greats to have graced the sport both in Ireland and abroad. He didn’t wish to disguise the pleasure he felt in witnessing a second Irish Grand Slam, having inspired the first.

“Seeing the players jump for joy and parade around the pitch was a pleasure,” he said. “I’m so happy they have won and taken on the mantle, more so because they are a side worthy of the Grand Slam. Many of them have been playing for a number of years, becoming a Triple Crown side without claiming the final prize.

“Some of them will be retiring in a number of years, and to do so as Grand Slam winners will give them enormous satisfaction. When they’re old and grey they’ll get together much like we have done and will be invited to functions as Grand Slam winners. We had that pleasure for a long time, and there is no regret whatsoever that they’ve joined us.

“After such a long time without the Grand Slam, we’re all feeling proud that Irish rugby has achieved this. To win in Wales is always difficult, and I think that adds something extra to it.

“It’s good for Irish rugby and good for the nation as well – people will have taken a lot of pleasure from this during difficult times. With all the different sports in Ireland, such as hurling and Gaelic football, it’s good we can still produce a Grand Slam side.” The topsy-turvy nature of the contest left Kyle emotionally drained by the final whistle, especially those last four minutes. “One moment we were cheering; the next moment we had our heads in our hands. Talk about being on the edge of our seats. To see Ireland pinch it right at the end, when in previous years they’ve been thwarted, made it very exciting.

“That last penalty brought back memories of France at Croke Park two years ago.” Kyle had a special word of praise for Ireland outhalf Ronan O’Gara, something the Corkman will cherish given the person who expressed the sentiments. “I thought O’Gara was fantastic. People talk about his ability under pressure, but that second-half display has ended any doubt.

“He directed play so well, as he has done all Six Nations when Ireland have won every game. That says a lot for him. To have the calmness to drop that goal near the end was quite a feat, because he had been through a tough match. It was also brave – because had he failed, everyone would have felt it was a missed opportunity to win the Grand Slam.”