Famous Ballyshannon flag folded, but ready for more action

Among the many thousands who have been cheering on Ireland during the Rugby World Cup in France has included Ballyshannon supporters with a famous flag.

Ronan McInerney’s flag was shown on TV when Ireland played Romania in their opening game and there is a proud history behind the flag.

McInerney is a former player with Ballyshannon RFC and has been a great supporter of Irish teams in all sports.

“I was out for the first two games, the Romania game and the Tonga game,” says McInerney.

The Ballyshannon flag at Italia 90

And what is the history of the flag: “I made that flag going to the World Cup in Italy in 1990. I got the material in McElhinney’s in Ballybofey and I went to Gerry McGarrigle down in Rossnowlagh and he painted it for me.

“Myself and Brian Boyle lifted the day before we went away. We had it in Italy and we had it in America in ‘94. The boys also brought it to the Euros.

“It also went to different places. Brian Mac Carthaigh’s son was out surfing in the World Championships in South Africa and it was out there, different places.

“It is unfolded every couple of years, whenever Ireland gets to a major championship.

“At the moment it is folded in the draw,” says Ronan, and there are no plans for it to be in Paris this weekend. Himself and his wife, Patricia, had a great trip for the first two games.

“There was a great atmosphere and we met a lot of people out there. Dr Eamon Stack was out and he is only home today, he was at four games.

“We stayed in camp sites outside Bordeaux and then outside Nantes. We had great seats and a great buzz. When the flag was shown on TV when the Irish team came out against Romania. My ‘phone lit up. I thought the whole of Ballyshannon was dead,” says Ronan, who added that a lot of people saw it.

The flag at USA  '94 outside the home of Ballyshannon native Fergal Gallagher in New York

Ronan hopes to watch the big quarter-final clash against the All Blacks  in the comfort of his own home on Saturday night. “I suppose I’m getting older. I would have  been going to the pub to watch those games in the past. But last week I sat at home and have a beer or a glass of wine.”

And what are Ireland’s chances of advancing to the semi-final of the World Cup? “They are good enough to beat any team on their day. I was reading a piece by the England winning manager, Clive Woodward, and he says he has no doubt that Ireland will beat New Zealand.”

McInerney also says that anything can happen on the day. “In rugby at the minute, with the safety rules, one bad tackle and a man is gone. It can change very quick.

“But this Ireland team is the best ever, by far. I know they have world class players like Sexton, but they also have great cover in every position. I think they should beat them. They are playing the All Blacks and it’s a bit like in Gaelic playing Kerry. But it will come down to fine margins, the bounce of the ball,” said McInerney.

The flag as seen on TV in Bordeaux at the Romania game