Ireland in the Five Nations of 1983

Confirming that their 1982 heroics was no mere flash in the pan, Ireland proceeded to follow their championship success of last year with a share of the honours this time with France. Speaking of the French, their visit presented the Oirish with their best performance of the season as they recorded their first win against les Bleus since 1975. Only a dismal performance in the fortress of Cardiff denied Ireland any possible Grand Slam glory.

SCOTLAND 13 IRELAND 15; 15th January; at Murrayfield

15 MacNeill

14 Ringland

13 Irwin

12 Kiernan [TRY]

11 Finn

10 Campbell [3 penalties, conversion]

9 McGrath

8 Duggan

7 O'Driscoll

6 Slattery

5 Keane

4 Lenihan

3 McLoughlin

2 Fitzgerald (c)

1 Orr

The visitors led 15-4 at half time en route to their first win in Edinburgh since 1973.

IRELAND 22 FRANCE 16; 19th February; at Lansdowne Road

15 MacNeill

14 Ringland

13 Irwin

12 Kiernan

11 Finn [2 TRIES]

10 Campbell [4 penalties, conversion]

9 McGrath

8 Duggan

7 O'Driscoll

6 Slattery

5 Keane

4 Lenihan

3 McLoughlin

2 Fitzgerald (c)

1 Orr

Moss Finn recorded a try in each half as both teams shared four tries, but Ireland took both points, having led 15-3.

WALES 23 IRELAND 9; 5th March; at Cardiff Arms Park

15 MacNeill [penalty]

14 Ringland

13 Irwin

12 Kiernan

11 Finn

10 Campbell [2 penalties]

9 McGrath

8 Duggan

7 O'Driscoll

6 Slattery

5 Keane

4 Lenihan

3 McLoughlin

2 Fitzgerald (c)

1 Orr

Terry Holmes, Elgan Rees, and Mark Wyatt scored the match's three tries. Wales had led 12-6 at half time.

IRELAND 25 ENGLAND 15; 19th March; at Lansdowne Road

15 MacNeill

14 Ringland

13 Irwin

12 Kiernan

11 Finn

10 Campbell [TRY, 5 penalties, conversion]

9 McGrath

8 Duggan

7 O'Driscoll

6 Slattery [TRY]

5 Keane

4 Lenihan

3 McLoughlin

2 Fitzgerald (c)

1 Orr

The hosts overcame a 12-10 interval deficit with the help of Ollie Campbell who plundered a match haul of 21 points.