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set in stone

A new statue at Shannon airport is marking one of Irish sport's most iconic moments

Paul O’Connell’s famous line-out has been turned into a sculpture.

IRELAND’S SIX NATIONS meeting with England at Croke Park in 2007 will long be remembered as one of Irish sport’s most iconic days.

England came to Croke Park after after the GAA opened their doors to rugby and soccer during the Aviva Stadium construction, the first occasion that they would play at the headquarters of Ireland’s national sport.

The occasion didn’t get to Eddie O’Sullivan’s side, as they recorded their biggest even win against the English, scoring four tries on a memorable day for Irish sport.

One of the most iconic images of the day is a photograph of Ireland’s Paul O’Connell being hoisted into the air by his Irish teammates Donncha O’Callaghan and John Hayes, as O’Connell claims a line-out.

General view of a lineout Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

That moment, and that game have now been honoured by Shannon Airport, who have commissioned a six metre high sculpture of the Munster and Ireland trio.

It was unveiled, with O’Connell, O’Callaghan and Hayes all present this afternoon, and looks like an absolute masterpiece.

The trio looked suitably impressed with the effort.

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