Patience, belief, panic, loyalty, endurance, blind optimism, philosophy in the face of failure. Some of the characteristics of Ireland rugby supporters in the past decade. There was a period around RWC 2007 in Paris I wanted to change my shirt – and my passport.

Mid March, they delivered us just reward in the form of the Six Nations championship and the Grand Slam – Mulligan's of Mayfair providing the venue to witness what was a nerve-wracking, nail-biting game – and eventually, our first victory in 61 years.

Bring on the Lions tour.