The Lansdowne Road ground is, indeed, a relic of Victorian days, but a ground with a special character and with a special place in the hearts of successive generations of Ireland's rugby followers.

Yes it is old and antiquated by comparison with the new Twickenham, the new Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the new Murrayfield, the new Croke Park and the Stade de France. The facilities are outdated. Increasing the capacity of the venue to make it an all-seater stadium, putting in all the modern amenities as well as, of course, the cost, were all factors considered by the IRFU. I am well aware of all the difficulties concerning the redevelopment of the ground to meet the needs of this era, not least the cost.

I support the concept of building a national stadium. Whether Abbotstown is the right location is another matter. But those are discussion points for another day. Suffice to say I respect some of the arguments against building the stadium at Abbotstown and I respect some of the sources from which those arguments have come. But likewise I most certainly do not either heed or have any respect for some of the people who have opposed the concept of a national stadium or the arguments they offer.

I refer to those who see themselves as "experts" on every topic known to man. They would not blink an eye or care if Lansdowne Road and Croke Park fell down. Some of those people do not give a damn about sport, have absolutely no interest in it or even a remote idea of just how important it is to the vast majority of the people of this country or what it brings into the economy of this country. When it suits them they make a virtue of their total lack of interest in sport. In a word they would not know if rugby, soccer or Gaelic footballs are pumped or stuffed.

And so I return to Lansdowne Road. It will be a very sad day if and when it will no longer be the location for Ireland's rugby internationals. It would be marvellous if the means could be found to develop it to meet the needs of this era. How about a redeveloped Lansdowne Road as the national stadium. To so many it is a very special place, a sporting shrine with huge appeal. It is ideally situated and there is a great atmosphere. On the days of the rugby internationals there is a ritual for many before and after the matches as they make their way to and from the old ground.

Since March 11th, 1878, it has been the headquarters of Irish rugby. Since then it has been the location for some marvellous sporting theatre. We have known good days and more than a few bad there. But like so many more, I have a great love for the old stadium, its history, its tradition, and the very special atmosphere on international days. Those who have run out onto that ground wearing the Ireland jersey are very privileged people.

Last Saturday was one of the great days at Lansdowne Road, a day everyone fortunate enough to have been there will remember. The biennial match against England at Lansdowne Road has a very special appeal. It was all there last Saturday, a tremendous sense of excitement, of anticipation and, to be honest, more than a slight tremor of anxiety that England might justify their odds-on rating as favourites.

The opening phase of play did not really point in any specific direction as to the possible outcome but it did indicate that this Ireland team was going to give England a match. Then came the try for Ireland by the captain Keith Wood in the 18th minute. From that moment one sensed this might, and I emphasise might, be Ireland's day. And so it came to pass.

The match has been well analysed but it was, unquestionably, one of the great Irish wins and performances, worthy to be set beside famous Irish victories that come to mind over the last 30 years. The win in Paris in 2000, the 1993 and 1994 victories over England, the 1985 Triple Crown triumph at Lansdowne Road, the dramatic win over England at Twickenham in 1972, the famous 14-0 win over Wales at Lansdowne Road in 1970. The win over Scotland in 1982 which gave Ireland the Triple Crown and Championship was a great and memorable occasion but not a great match.

The match last Saturday was a great rugby match and what makes the result so very pleasing is that Ireland thoroughly deserved to win. The victory was not due to good fortune, it was created on a splendid platform of application, awareness, courage and a great depth of character with every player playing his part.

The pack played splendidly. We will always remember Wood's try and the innovative nature of it; the tackle by Peter Stringer on Dan Luger; the superb Irish defence when the pressure came on; Kevin Maggs evoking memories of the late and great Jerry Walsh; the composure of Ronan O'Gara, coming onto the field in the 60th minute to replace David Humphreys and being entrusted with a vital penalty with his first kick of the match and the courage he revealed in kicking the goal. That was a huge test of O'Gara's character.

Lucky Ireland to have two outside halves of such quality. No this is not like the Tony Ward-Ollie Campbell era revisited because we can use both players as the need arises. Remember Paris 2000 when it was Humphreys who replaced O'Gara and kicked the vital penalty. The tactical replacement is an integral part of the game now.

Ireland must now build on what has been achieved - seven wins from the last 10 championship matches. And coach Warren Gatland can reflect on the fact he is the first Ireland coach since Tom Kiernan to see his team beat England, Wales and France in a season.

In the last two championship series, Gatland has had two wins over France including the first in Paris since 1972 and the first anywhere since 1983 - if you discount Auch in 1988, as you must, as it was not an official international - wins over Scotland in 2000, Wales three weeks ago in Cardiff, add in two over Italy and now the most prized of all, last Saturday.

These are good days for Irish rugby at provincial and international levels. None better than last Saturday. When that match was over no one wanted to leave the ground, everyone wanted to savour the victory, prolong the celebrations. An occasion to enliven the national mood and lift the spirit as only sport can do.