A number of sporting organisations and individuals from around the country appear to be singing from a similar hymn sheet as they all wish the Ulster team success today.

Tommy Carr, manager of the Dublin Gaelic football team and formerly a schools rugby player with King's Hospital and University College, Galway, believes Ulster have an opportunity to win the game.

"I think it's tremendous that they have gotten to this stage. I went to a rugby-playing school and I'd have an interest," says the former fullback.

"Just how well they'll do I don't know. But given the fixture is in Lansdowne Road and with the home support I believe they have a good chance. Regarding the rugby fraternity in Ireland, they'll be very proud of what Ulster has achieved."

Carr's sentiments are echoed by Ulster GAA manager Brian McEniff, who led Ulster to a record six in-a-row Railway Cup wins and brought the Sam Maguire back to Donegal in 1992 when the county won the football championship.

"I certainly would have been in Ravenhill for the semi-final but unfortunately I'd booked a holiday beforehand. I've been following rugby since the great Jackie Kyle and last December I was lucky enough to meet him at a function in Dublin. I also met Mike Gibson, another player I've greatly admired.

"I didn't expect Ulster to beat the French twice but they did and it was fantastic. I'm an Ulsterman too you know and I'm very, very up for this match. I was talking to Mike Reid the other day and we were discussing the game. I really hope they can do it and no doubt they will have the whole country behind them. I will certainly be at Lansdowne Road supporting Ulster." Maeve Kyle, former Olympic athlete, and along with her husband Sean currently coaching some of the brightest talent to emerge in Irish athletics, will not be at the game but Sean, European Championship 800m runner James McIlroy and a crowd from Ballymena will be travelling to Dublin.

"I watch all first class sport," says the former sprinter. "Everyone up here is hugely behind the team. As someone said recently `will the last person to leave please turn out the lights'. I'll watch the match on telly. I wouldn't miss it. I think Ulster have a good chance. Harry Williams had kept a good head on the team. He's got them to gell and to work together as a team. That will be enormously important."

Gary O'Toole, who 10 years ago became Ireland's most successful swimmer when he won a silver medal in the European Championships, like Carr also played rugby.

"I saw two of the interprovincial matches and the semi-final on television. I think in the semi-final Ulster rode their luck and rode it well. It was admirable. They performed exceptionally well and won. They were twice the team for that match to the team I saw at the interpros in Ravenhill."

Pat Hickey, president of the Olympic Council of Ireland, will have his mind pleasantly diverted from the current issues surrounding some of his International Olympic Committee colleagues around the globe.

"I'm delighted to have been invited to lunch before the match and to the game. I'm aware that the rugby people are looking for representation in future Olympic Games and I'd be fully supportive of that fact. Naturally, I hope Ulster will win. But, as it happens, my wife is French so one way or the other I can't lose."

Tom Foley, who has in recent years become synonymous with the famous gelding Danoli, who he nursed back to health before launching the horse as the people's champion over jumps, typically likes winners when the odds are against.

"I know no one was expecting them to get to the final. I was coming back from racing when I heard it on the radio they got to the final. I always like to see them coming out on top when the odds are stacked against them. It would be nice to see them coming out like they did before," he says.

Des Allen, chief executive of Tennis Ireland is "definitely interested" in the match and "would hope to go to Lansdowne Road".

"Ulster's run in the European Cup has had enormous impact and I wouldn't rule out an Ulster win. They seem to have their tails up. I know it's going to be very, very tough but I gather the support they got in Ravenhill was something to behold."

Irish hockey will also put their shoulder to the wheel. Joan Morgan of the Irish Hockey Union concurs with the general positive attitude.

"Obviously we hope Ulster win. The whole hockey world will be behind them. We hope they do the business on the day. We know there will be great interest in the match throughout the country."

From the man who brought positive thinking into Irish sport, Eamon Coghlan, it is more than just a handful of rugby teams that have been so far conquered.

"Compared to say 20 years ago, today there is more optimism in Irish sport. We've shaken off the baggage of negativism in Ireland and I think that's a very good thing." Dr Tony O'Neill, currently a representative of the Football Association of Ireland at UEFA level, also hopes to make the short trip from Belfield to Lansdowne Road if commitments permit.

"I've seen the matches this season on television. I think the crowd behind them at Lansdowne Road is a big advantage but the French always come prepared for big finals. I certainly wish them all very well."