THE EXCITEMENT IS building ahead of Ireland’s opening Six Nations clash against Scotland today, with scores of Irish rugby fans heading across the pond for the match.

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The captain on an Aer Lingus flight to Edinburgh yesterday afternoon had a special welcome for the Irish rugby fans on board – instead of his usual opening announcements, he said, as deadpan as you like:

Conditions today are nice and clear… If you look out to your left, you’ll see a lonely prison wall. Passengers seated to the right, meanwhile, can watch the small freebirds fly.

We will shortly be attaining our cruising altitude over the fields of Athenry, at which time our love will be on the wing – and the cabin crew will come around with dreams and songs to sing. Thank you.

It would have been rude for the passengers not to start a Fields of Athenry singalong after that, wouldn’t it?

The video of the captain’s message has been shared thousands of times on Facebook as people wish the Irish team all the best for today. COYBIG!

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