FANSTASTIC

Joy of supporters in Paris as Ireland beat Springboks

-  MICHAEL SCULLY

IRELAND fans in Paris spoke of a "wonderful and emotional" night in the City of Light after Andy Farrell's heroes triumphed over world champions South Africa.

It was the Sunday afternoon after the night before, and those Irish supporters who were not on early flights out of the French capital were basking in the late September sun after two days of rain before the big match.

For a band of five Dubliners, the trip was priceless. Declan Mulvey and his friends Aodhan O Ciardha, Ciaran Sheridan, Martin Kelly and Tadhg Egan, who hail from all over the city, had made the journey away together as a group.

They were fortunate to witness an incredible game between the world's top two sides - although many had predicted it would be the game of the pool stages.

Ireland emerged as 13-8 winners to stamp their credentials as potential World Cup winners for the first time.