"Ireland's shot at redemption" is an article published on BBC RWC Blog yesterday by Radio 5Live journalist Alastair Eykyn.
Alastair gives here five reasons why Ireland can qualify for the quarter-finals... which is definitely a scenario that every French rugby fan will support !
Go Ireland !
Talking about "redemption"... let's push a little on Christian rethorics... let's call for the support of "Notre Dame du Rugby" and hope She hears Irish and French prayers...
Notre-Dame du Rugby is a Chapel in this wonderful region of Landes (Larrivière, southwest of France - map here) entirely dedicated to rugby... old jerseys, memorabilia... and some fine stained glasses, such as this "Virgin on the touch line"

Abbot Michel Devert - a priest but also a rugby educator - wanted to dedicate a Chapel to rugby after three young ruggers from Dax died in a car accident in 1963. It took him some time and efforts to collect the necessary funds and the Chapel eventually opened in 1967. You could find more information (in French) on the website of the Diocese.
For once, the pictures don't belong to me... the upper picture is a postcard published and copyrighted by "les Authentiques et les Imaginaires"... and credit to "Eglise Catholique dans les Landes" website for the lower picture.
Identificateurs Technorati : rugby, Notre Dame du Rugby, Larrivière
We we see you in Cardiff............?
Posted by: John | 30/09/2007 at 18:46