Irish rugby fans are hoping for a glorious Saint Patrick’s Day as their side takes on England in a Grand Slam showdown at Twickenham.
London has been painted green as Ireland’s rugby squad bid for a place in Irish folklore in the Six Nations on England’s home turf.
Ireland has already won the Six Nations – their third in five years – but are hoping to secure a sweet victory over the English to cement their third ever Grand Slam.
With tickets akin to gold dust, hundreds of Irish fans have gathered at pubs near Twickenham stadium in the south west of the capital.
These fans managed to track down some leprechauns to give them a lift to the stadium but luckily managed to spill a drop of their Guinness
This rugby fan has brought the luck of the Irish with her as she donned a pair of shamrock sunglasses and a green bowler hat
On a packed train en route to the area, Ciaran Walsh, 22, from Cork, said he is ‘barbarically excited’, adding: ‘It is a seismic day in Irish rugby history.’
Conor Crowley, 22, from Cork, said: ‘It is a Herculean day in the Irish rugby calendar.’
Conor Barry, 22, also from Gaggin in West Cork, said: ‘I actually have a feeling of numbness with nerves.’
One man braced the chilly weather in a pair of emerald green pants, some knee-high socks and a unicorn wig to support his team
Serena O’Sullivan, 29, from Croom in County Limerick, said it is a ‘special’ day as she was walking to the stadium.
‘We’ll be very disappointed if we lose. We are really hoping for a great win,’ she said.
Her friend Elaine O’Callaghan, 26, from Knockanagoshel in County Kerry, said: ‘I sincerely hope for the Grand Slam and being here in London for the first time, it’s a dream come true.
Hoping for St Patrick’s Day glory these three men arrived wrapped in flags and hats ahead of the big game which takes place today
‘Couldn’t be more proud to be Irish.’
Tony Killarney, 60, from Monivea in County Galway, was wearing a shamrock suit, and asked how he felt, he said: ‘I wouldn’t be wearing this if I wasn’t excited. It’s fantastic.
‘This is the biggest day – Saint Patrick’s Day and the Grand Slam. It’s such an opportunity.’
Mairead Daly, 25, from Castlecomer in County Kilkenny, was with a group of friends and said: ‘We’re buzzing. We’ve been up since 7.30am ready for this historic day.
‘I took annual leave on Monday because I’m expecting a heavy weekend.’
London has been painted green as Ireland’s rugby squad bid for a place in Irish folklore in the Six Nations on England’s home turf
With tickets akin to gold dust, hundreds of Irish fans have gathered at pubs near Twickenham stadium in the south west of the capital including this pair wearing bright orange kilts
At least there will be one winner in this pair later as the man appeared to be an England fan whereas the woman was clearly an Ireland supporter