It's dim in Trinity's Long Room. The lights must be low because of the many rare and valuable books housed here. Still, in the gloom the bulky outlines of many men are visible. Young Frank Van Esbeck (9) asks his father, Declan, if the place is haunted. Sssh, says Declan. They've come to enjoy the launch of Irish Rugby 1874-1999: A History by Declan's father, Edmund, former rugby correspondent of The Irish Times.
It's rumoured that nine former IRFU presidents are at the reception. And hidden among the scrum are several players from the Irish rugby team. Watching them closely is Fiona Ginnell, a body sculptor, there doing research for an up-coming project on the male physique. She wants to cast some of them in bronze.
Players such as Keith Wood and Dion O'Cuinneagain don't realise that they're being sized-up as likely models. Ollie Campbell, a rugby star of the mid-1980s, is there too. Does he miss the game? "Desperately," he answers honestly.
Daphne Gill, from Trinity Provost's Office, chats to Daniel Stewmer, of the South African embassy. They confess to knowing very little about rugby. Ssssh, they say.
Is petite Japanese ambassador Kazuko Yokoo, in a jade green suit and matching shoes, in a similar boat? What about Argentinian ambassador Victor Beauge, who is 45 minutes late because of traffic? However, On the Town opts not to delay him further with questions about the game.
"I feel that those people who are not interested in sport in general miss a lot in life," says Edmund Van Esbeck. Oh, dear, this is a worry. "Sport is a marvellous reflection of what's in life. Whether you win or lose, you do it with respect and dignity."