By Gary Watton
April 23 2013

After a few years of encouraging results but no prizes, Ireland landed their first triple crown since 1985. Unfortunately, France again proved to be a bridge too far in terms of grand slam ambitions, but the Oirish rugby followers can always fondly recall a season that produced an outstanding performance against the newly-crowned world champions in their own backyard. Gordon D'Arcy realised his potential in this championship, though he never really built upon his heroics of 2004. Ireland now were the kings of British rugby. However, until they could slay both England and France in the same year, then the title of European champions would remain elusive. 

FRANCE 35 IRELAND 17; 14th February; at the Stade de France

15 Dempsey

14 Horgan

13 D'Arcy

12 Maggs

11 Howe [TRY]

10 O'Gara [penalty, 2 conversions]

9 Stringer

8 Foley [TRY]

7 Gleeson

6 Easterby

5 O'Connell (c)

4 O'Kelly

3 Hayes

2 Byrne

1 Corrigan

Having led 11-3 at the interval, France won the second half's try count three-two. Pascal Pape scored a try on his debut.

IRELAND 36 WALES 15; 22nd February; at Lansdowne Road

15 Dempsey

14 Horgan

13 O'Driscoll (c) [2 TRIES]

12 D'Arcy

11 Howe

10 O'Gara [TRY, 2 conversions]

9 Stringer

8 Foley [TRY]

7 Gleeson

6 Easterby

5 O'Connell

4 O'Callaghan

3 Hayes

2 Byrne [2 TRIES]

1 Corrigan

Two second-half tries from the substitute Tom Shanklin were only a consolation. Ireland stormed to a 24-3 half time lead.

ENGLAND 13 IRELAND 19; 6th March; at Twickenham

15 Dempsey [TRY]

14 Horgan

13 O'Driscoll (c)

12 D'Arcy

11 Howe

10 O'Gara [4 penalties, conversion]

9 Stringer

8 Foley

7 Gleeson

6 Easterby

5 O'Connell

4 O'Kelly

3 Hayes

2 Byrne 

1 Corrigan

A brilliant second-half try by Dempsey supplemented four first-half penalties from O'Gara to secure a famous 'upset'.

IRELAND 19 ITALY 3; 3rd March; at Lansdowne Road

15 Dempsey [TRY]

14 Horgan [TRY]

13 O'Driscoll (c) [TRY]

12 D'Arcy

11 Murphy

10 O'Gara [2 conversions]

9 Stringer

8 Foley

7 Gleeson

6 Easterby

5 O'Callaghan

4 O'Kelly [TRY]

3 Hayes

2 Byrne 

1 Corrigan

A converted second-half try was the icing on the cake, after the hosts had established a 12-0 interval advantage.

IRELAND 37 SCOTLAND 16; 27th March; at Lansdowne Road

15 Dempsey [TRY]

14 Horgan

13 O'Driscoll (c)

12 D'Arcy [2 TRIES]

11 Murphy [TRY]

10 O'Gara [2 penalties, 3 conversions]

9 Stringer [TRY]

8 Foley

7 Wallace [TRY]

6 Easterby

5 O'Connell

4 O'Kelly

3 Hayes

2 Byrne 

1 Corrigan

A second-half converted try from the Scottish flanker Ally Hogg could not stop Ireland clinching the triple crown in style.