Leinster team runs back to D4 after match

Mr-McBain

After being back at the match on Saturday I was slightly annoyed to hear that the team had returned to Dublin that night and were partying in the Burlington and Kielys with the cup and then they have a homecoming party on the Sunday while most fans who went over to the game were stuck back in Scotland. While I can understand the the reason behind the lions players need to depart early I just think that it was a bit of a let down that they returned to straight away back to D4. I was also told that there was an open top bus waiting at the RDS that wasn't used. What do others think?

Stealdo

I'm wondering what you wanted them to do. I assume from your post that you were in Edinburgh. Would you have preferred they called you to go out for a couple? For my own reasons I had to hang around after the game a while and saw several players hanging out with supporters for autographs and photographs (around the corner from where there were thousands drinking in the Heineken tents who I'm sure are also miffed they missed the night out in Keilys.)

Tim Robbins

Mr-McBain wrote: »

After being back at the match on Saturday I was slightly annoyed to hear that the team had returned to Dublin that night and were partying in the Burlington and Kielys with the cup and then they have a homecoming party on the Sunday while most fans who went over to the game were stuck back in Scotland. While I can understand the the reason behind the lions players need to depart early I just think that it was a bit of a let down that they returned to straight away back to D4. I was also told that there was an open top bus waiting at the RDS that wasn't used. What do others think?

They had to go back as its cheaper that way.

The celebrations were always going to be hampered by some of players having to go on the Lions and RTE probably not being bothered to support it.

They only threw something mickey mousey up on their site.

remus808

Mr-McBain wrote: »

After being back at the match on Saturday I was slightly annoyed to hear that the team had returned to Dublin that night and were partying in the Burlington and Kielys with the cup and then they have a homecoming party on the Sunday while most fans who went over to the game were stuck back in Scotland. While I can understand the the reason behind the lions players need to depart early I just think that it was a bit of a let down that they returned to straight away back to D4. I was also told that there was an open top bus waiting at the RDS that wasn't used. What do others think?

Don't bother complaining unless you have a better idea TBH.

anonymous_joe

Mr-McBain wrote: »

After being back at the match on Saturday I was slightly annoyed to hear that the team had returned to Dublin that night and were partying in the Burlington and Kielys with the cup and then they have a homecoming party on the Sunday while most fans who went over to the game were stuck back in Scotland. While I can understand the the reason behind the lions players need to depart early I just think that it was a bit of a let down that they returned to straight away back to D4. I was also told that there was an open top bus waiting at the RDS that wasn't used. What do others think?

I had to fly home that night because there was no accommodation.

Players were there at the same time and were extraordinarily friendly and polite to everyone around. Four of them had to fly to London at half eight the next morning, while for the rest it was obviously decided that they'd rather celebrate at home than in Edinburgh. Given that there were thousands of us flying home that night, plenty of the people who'd cheered them on were in Dublin taht night too.

plugitplayit

I met Geordan Murphy in Edinburgh if that's any consolation to anyone...;) (can't remember what was even said but sure he was up for a laugh by that stage)

Ah it was great craic there, the players can do what they want after the game. If they would rather be back at home for whatever reason so be it.

We had a lifesize cardboard cut-out of BOD with us and he got a crazy amount of attention that night!

Mr-McBain

I'm not having a go at the players. After their heroic performance I would never do that. I know they don't call the shots when it comes to organising schedules. I'm just saying that it would have been nice if the people who'd gone over and stayed till the Sunday got the chance to be a part of the homecoming. I wasn't the only one who felt this way. There were many others on the trains and planes who were saying the same. If they'd held out until this weekend coming then they could have organised something on a greater scale with far more people.

conf101

Mr-McBain wrote: »

If they'd held out until this weekend coming then they could have organised something on a greater scale with far more people.

yeah, organised something minus BOD, Fitz, Kearney, Rocky, D'Arcy, Heaslip.......

It's not ideal lads but you got to go to the match, see them get the trophy first hand! You can't always have your cake and eat it!

Don't forget there were some of us who got to go to neither the match or the homecoming!!

thehighground

Mr-McBain wrote: »

I'm not having a go at the players. After their heroic performance I would never do that. I know they don't call the shots when it comes to organising schedules. I'm just saying that it would have been nice if the people who'd gone over and stayed till the Sunday got the chance to be a part of the homecoming. I wasn't the only one who felt this way. There were many others on the trains and planes who were saying the same. If they'd held out until this weekend coming then they could have organised something on a greater scale with far more people.

Most teams return home on the night. I was in Cardiff airport last year and both Toulouse & Munster teams were there on their way home. Munster always return home on the night.

Flights in Cardiff were delayed for about 3/4 hours (including team flight). Axel was MC of what turned into a massive sing-song. Not only did the Munster players beat Toulouse, they then all did a party piece in Cardiff Airport. A couple of youtube clips here

Doug Howlett http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgIvzeMpWNY

Paul O'Connell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh18XojwwbQ&feature=related

Jerry Flannery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipRPJlSP70E&feature=related

Declan Kidney sang "I did it my Way". Don't think there is a clip of it though.

btw, has everyone got their ticket for next year? Good weekend, even if your team isn't in the final.

TarfHead

Mr-McBain wrote: »

.. If they'd held out until this weekend coming then they could have organised something on a greater scale with far more people.

.. far less Leinster players :rolleyes: Between Churchill Cup & the overseas players returning home & holiday time, some might then complain about the poor turnout of players.

justsomebloke

TarfHead wrote: »

.. far less Leinster players :rolleyes: Between Churchill Cup & the overseas players returning home & holiday time, some might then complain about the poor turnout of players.

and the baa baas aswell with Whitaker, Rocky and Darcy all playing on Saturday over in London against England

Mr-McBain

Fair enough. I didn't realise there there was that much of an exodus of players. I guess I'm just venting. I did get to tell Brian Cowen to "F*** Off" when he walked past us in Edinburgh so I'll take that other glorious memory away with me.

spank_inferno

Mr-McBain wrote: »

I did get to tell Brian Cowen to "F*** Off" when he walked past us in Edinburgh so I'll take that other glorious memory away with me.

The perfect weekend

darrenh

Mr-McBain wrote: »

Fair enough. I didn't realise there there was that much of an exodus of players. I guess I'm just venting. I did get to tell Brian Cowen to "F*** Off" when he walked past us in Edinburgh so I'll take that other glorious memory away with me.

Thats funny. NOT

niceoneted

I understood that the lads had to get home. Would loved to have made the homecoming on Sunday but wasn't home until that night. I was delighted to have been at the match and did get to drink with the losing team afterwards, as Geordan and Johne Murphy et al joined us in the pub.