But in the end we got the job done and won our first Triple Crown in 19 years.

I always felt we looked like scoring tries even against what was probably the best Scottish performance in two years.

Out wide, Brian ODriscoll, Gordon D'Arcy and Geordan Murphy were always dangerous and we stretched the Scots.

You cant have any criticism of the Ireland side, there was a lot of expectation on their shoulders. It was hard and they were nervy.

The tension was palpable around Lansdowne Road for 50 minutes but at the end
everyone stayed. It was fantastic.

There were certainly a few sore heads on Sunday morning, there will be the day after as well, and the day after that.

It was also great to see David Wallace come back into the side and get on the scoresheet.

Hes struggled a bit for confidence after a couple of shoulder operations but he really is a fantastic player.

It was only France that we didnt turn up against, in the first match. You felt they were toying with Ireland a bit, but you saw against England what they can be like when they
move into their extra gear.

I have really enjoyed the tournament. Its been great and has turned me into a real fan. Its been much easier than last season when I was injured and watching the games.
Now Ive retired it has just been very enjoyable.

At hooker Shane Byrne has had a very good season, but a lot of people can take credit for the teams performances. Eddie OSullivan has been incredible for the team. The defensive coach Mike Ford and Niall ODonovan, the forwards coach.

Its great to have the backs weve got, but you wont achieve anything without a solid platform up-front.

Theyve got the forwards performing very slickly. Weve probably got the best line-out in the world at the moment and a great defence.

Ireland have shown in this championship that they can now challenge the top teams in the world. That is definitely within our range.

We matched France and England this season in terms of tries and points scoring, but to finish above the English in the table really doesnt make any difference.

We really deserved to win something and the structure is there to go on and get even better.