View images from Ireland’s Six Nations fixtures

England v Ireland photos: © Myak Homberger/Papaya Photography.
All other photos © Joan O’Connell.

Saturday, St Patrick’s Day, saw Ireland face England away in their final fixture of the Six Nations Championship. Our man at Esher RFC, Myak Homberger of Papaya Photography, was snapping away on the sidelines, and has kindly shared his images of the game with us.

England were always the favourites, going into the game undefeated, and having conceded only 6 points and not a single try. Still, though, the final score flattered England somewhat, as Ireland fought hugely.

Before the half-time break, both teams were level at six points each, with two penalty kicks per team slotted between the posts. It was only in the last 20 minutes or so that Ireland’s form was undone, and England managed to earn two tries and conversions to secure their historic win – Triple Crown, Grand Slam and the Championship.

Ireland can be proud: of their performance on Saturday, and throughout the tournament.

The team has been disciplined, clinical and determined. They have maintained an expansive style of play, conceding very few points – six to the dominant England, and eight to France after That Infamous Journey. Several new caps joined the team and integrated with the greatest of ease, and making a significant impact and contribution: Ashleigh Baxter, Sophie Spence, Paula Fitzpatrick, Ruth O’Reilly, Siobhán Fleming, Nikki Caughey.

View a slideshow of images from Saturday’s game.
Photos: © Myak Homberger/Papaya Photography

Head coach Philip Doyle said:

We have brought in a lot of new caps that have done very well. Ashleigh Baxter was playing Division Two rugby back at Christmas and has been great at fullback this season and Jennifer Murphy is a fantastic talent for the future.

Captain Fiona Coghlan said:

The scoreline flattered them [England], but they were more physical than us and were able to bring on a strong replacements in the front-row. I’m happy with how we’ve looked to play all season and we’ve brought in a lot of new caps that have grown in confidence as the season progressed.

The next time we see Ireland play will be the Six Nations 2013, unless there are any plans by the IRFU to arrange further international fixtures. Here’s hoping!

More:

Images:

• Papaya Photograpy
• Inpho.ie
• Getty

Match reports:

• IRFU
• ScrumQueens
• RBS 6 Nations
• Irish Examiner
• The Irish Times one and two
• RTÉ
• Indo’s three liner
• Indo
• The Guardian
• BBC