Ireland clinch Six Nations grand slam after victory over 14-man England

• Ireland 29-16 England
• Dan Sheehan scores two tries as hosts pull away in second half

There have been some raucously celebrated green days but few to match the roar when this particular final whistle sounded. Andy Farrell’s modern Ireland were already the world’s No 1 team and now a Six Nations grand slam has been added to their lengthening honours list. In truth, though, the cheers also reflected a sense of genuine relief that shamrock dreams had actually come true.

Even against 14 men, with a debatable red card having been shown to an aghast Freddie Steward shortly before half-time, the hosts were just 10-9 in front with 19 minutes left. England were proving stubborn opponents and the ultimate Irish nightmare was still a faint possibility. Never before had an Ireland side clinched a slam in Dublin and the weight of history was increasingly tangible.

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