Ireland are celebrating another Six Nations title win with a 17-13 victory over Scotland in Dublin.
It is their fifth title in 11 years, having endured a drought of more than two decades between 1985 and 2009.
Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter scored tries for the hosts in Dublin, who have now won back-to-back championships.
Player of the Match, Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park, called the win “incredible”.
“We had to stay in the fight. It was two good teams going at it and we were going for a championship.
“Our backs were against the wall a little bit [after last week’s defeat to England] so I am unbelievably proud of the boys.”
Ireland’s Conor Murray and Jack Crowley celebrate their win. Pic: PA
After England denied them a bid for successive Grand Slams last week, Ireland looked at risk of relinquishing their grip on the title and giving the English something to play for in Paris after eking out an unconvincing 7-6 halftime lead.
But the victory kept Ireland too far ahead of second-placed England, who play France in the final game of the championship later on Saturday. Scotland finished with two wins and three losses.
Scotland’s Huw Jones runs through to score their try. Pic: PA
Tries from hooker Dan Sheehan and loosehead prop Andrew Porter, added to by seven points via the boot of Jack Crowley saw Ireland to victory, with Finn Russell notching two penalties in response for Scotland, and Huw Jones a late try.
Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony said it could have been his last match for his country – but if so, “it wasn’t a bad one to go out on”.
He told Sky Sports News the team “showed a lot of grit and also ambition with the ball in a damp and greasy environment”
“I thought we played some good rugby. We talked about getting stuck in and probably put a lot of lead in their legs.”
