They help soften the blow.
It’s incredibly difficult to feel positive, optimistic or upbeat about rugby right now, a magnificent display by Argentina put an end to our semi-final hopes, but one of the amazing things about sport is that its reach goes beyond what happens on the pitch.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d much prefer to be talking about a glorious win for Ireland and an upcoming semi-final but that’s just not to be. Nothing can change the result but it also seems that nothing can also change the decency, kindness and general good spirited nature of Irish supporters.
Jamie Heaslip has already paid testament to the sea of green that took over London and Cardiff recently and these stories are just superb.
Argentina team just wanted a beer in downtown Cardiff. Irish & Argie fans preferred to party on & around their bus. pic.twitter.com/jAUffaILaV
— 🇺🇦 Owen Callan 🇺🇦 (@OwenCallan) October 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/Joe_363_/status/655765720463118340
https://twitter.com/EmmaQuinlan/status/655761201901772800
Bus of the Pumas leaving Cardiff cheered by both Argentinian and Irish fans… What a game and what a team ! pic.twitter.com/QgstRVlQ9G
— claude sassoulas (@ClaudeSassoulas) October 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/NamesCarolineOK/status/655786698362744834
There’s no denying that Argentina were the better team on the day and this story that was sent to into us by JOE reader Erin Walsh perfectly captures what makes Irish fans so unique.
Swapping flags with opposing fans is normal but this display of sportsmanship is still really nice to see.
