Okay, so I did say that it was the end of the road as far as me and optimism were concerned. But I’m so not down with the whole negativity thing that is going on in the meeja at the moment. We are all^[1] disappointed. But as Emmet Byrne said on d’telly last night it is easy to be negative. Not only is it easy, it is a fairly pointless exercise.

I’m not saying that we ignore the shite play, or pretend that everything is okay with the rugby team, but we aren’t out yet, so why not hope? Why be so negative in the questions to the players? And don’t give me that “hard-hitting journalism” tosh, cause that isn’t the reason. The reason is that it is easy to hit someone when they are down and taking the easy option is, well, easy, innit?

So lets hold all post-mortems and “Alas, ochrone” wailing and keening until after the final match on Sunday. Yes, we’ll probably be going home, but this is sport, and stranger things have happened.

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• Shoulder to shoulder (0)
• It’s an absolutely appalling rumour and has no foundation whatsoever, In fact, he’s sitting across the table happily eating his dinner as we speak. (11)
• :( (6)
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I’ve been out. Doing things. You know, that I shouldn’t be, *glances warily around* going places I shouldn’t.

Yup. Shopping again. It’s shocking^[1] how easy it is to spend money when you don’t have to hand over any actual cash. Just flash the plastic and away you go^[2] Crazy easy it is. And not only am I going to moan about spending the money, I’m also going to moan about not spending the money.

See I found this nice pair of trousers^[3] Tried them on and all was grand apart from the length^[4] Went hunting for the short-arse version. None to be found at all^[5] Now, people of whatever Debenhams shop I was in, bet you wish you stocked petites, don’t ya.

And while I’m in semi-moan mode^[6] why is it that I’m forced to try on 3 different sizes in the hope of finding one that fits. Three! That’s like all you’re allowed to take into the dressing rooms in some shops.

Craziness I tells ya.

However, in the good news stakes I did finally get my hands on season three of The Wire. Just what I need to distract me from the depression that is the RWC^[7] I get to watch the dvds with the ineffectual POlice and the drugs wasteland and the death and the killings. Yay!

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1. Singles ::
2. Blaze ::
3. Sandwich ::
4. Outside ::
5. Gooey ::
6. Industry ::
7. Exclusive ::
8. Warranty ::
9. Magical ::
10. Heels ::

Read the rest of this entry »

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Yeah. So. Optimism…

I think I’ll revert to my usual pessimism from now on.

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• You can’t put any spin on that performance (3)
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I am not, in general, an overly optimistic person. Especially where Irish sport is concerned. Hopeful, always, but confident that we’ll win? Rarely.

And this isn’t a new thing. Back in the heady days of Italia ‘90 when the entire country was caught up in football-fever I can remember being asked if I though we’d win our next match. Against Italy. I answered confidently, telling my uncle that we hadn’t a hope. My mathematical prowess tells me that for the world cup in 1990 I was all of 11. Eleven years of age and already I was a cynical little git who knew we couldn’t win.

And yet for some reason I have a good feeling about tonight’s match. I may be proven wrong. France may run riot. Eoin Reddan may have a mare of a game. Ronan O’Gara may continue with the terrible kicks. The pack may continue to stand around waving their hands in the air instead of getting stuck into rucks. But if that happens I will simply accept the slagging at my optimism, because I’m confident that the Irish team has enough talent to win this match. I’m not predicting a bonus point win, although that would be nice, but I think we’ll “get it done”.

I may deluded and crazy. Given the recent performances there is no real reason to forecast an Irish victory. And France need to win. If they lose they are out. If we lose there is still the vaguest of chances we can progress, depending on our Argentina match. But for the hosts, for France! to go out at the pool stage. Well, there are upsets and then there are upsets.

Wouldn’t it be nice though?

Maybe it is because I’ve gotten used to the rugby crowd performing well, and even winning major competitions. And maybe it is misplaced because we can only judge ourselves against the other Six Nations teams. But for once, I’m remaining hopeful. I remaining positive. I may be deluded and irrational but isn’t that what sport is all about?

And any supporters in France are being asked to head down to the team hotel (Sofitel Porte de Sevres, 8-12 Rue Louis Armand, 75015, Paris) and show your support before they leave for the stadium.

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• :( (6)

Having just seen the trailer for P.S. I love you can I just say one thing. NO ONE IN IRELAND TALKS LIKE THAT.

Thank you for your attention.

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