Ireland 17 – 3 Argentina
Today’s Ireland’s match with Argentina at Croke Park could be easily compared to the Rugby World Cup qualifier, as Ireland desperadly needed to win to secure the eighth place in the International Rugby Board rankings. After 80 minutes of, what could be described as bad-tempered game, four successful kicks from the boot of Ronan O’Gara and a try from Tommy Bowe sealed Ireland’s much needed win and a seeding spot in the Rugby World Cup draw.
The Pumas opened the score board with the penalty but GUINNESS man-of-the-match Ronan O’Gara set up a 3 – 3 half-time score with a well-struck effort three minutes later. Half way through the second half a penalty and drop goal from O’Gara sent Ireland 9 – 3 ahead. In the closing stages of the match O’Gara’s inch perfect cross-field kick set Tommy Bowe to score the only try of the match.
The result not only stopped Argentina beating the Irish for the fourth time in a row, but also guarantee Ireland to join the Pumas among the seeds in the draw for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede means the rock in the road. The road is the sea route for Atlantic salmon on their westward journey past Carrick Island. For over 350 years, fishermen have strung a rope bridge 30 meters above the sea to allow them to access the best places to catch the migrating salmon. The bridge is still used during the salmon season these days. However, there are now very few salmon left. Almost 300 fish were caught per day back in the 1960s, only 300 were caught over the entire season 2002.
Today, the bridge is mainly used as a tourist attraction, presenting a challenge to thousands visitors every year, coming to enjoy amazing view and high thrills.
Starbucks, Ballsbridge
Starbucks…. Who doesn’t know this American coffeehouse chain and the largest coffeehouse company in the world? They have stores across the whole world, and of course, here in Dublin too. One of the stores is based in Ballsbridge and it is the one where I go to during my lunch break.
I don’t think that they do the best coffee. But honestly, it is not bad either. I usually got my cappuccino or hot chocolate there after my lunch, and some time their pastry or cake. The Berry Swirl is my favourite. What I really like about Starbucks is that they seem to care about our environment and support the third world countries. And they also care about our healthy diet, as all of their stores here in Dublin have selection of sandwiches, salads and fruit smoothies to choose from.
As this particular store is located in Ballsbridge, one of the Dublin’s finest districts, you may be lucky and see some famous people around. I have seen Louise Walsh around, and the other day Dublin born Hollywood star Colin Farrell came for a cup of coffee while I was enjoying my coffee there too.