Kildare's Christy Moore inspires Ireland's Grand Slam rugby heroes to victory over England at Twickenham

Christy Moore, Newbridge’s legendary singer-songwriter, helped to inspire Ireland’s rugby Grand Slam heroes to victory over England at Twickenham today, coach Joe Schmidt revealed in a post-match interview.

The Kildare troubador visited the rugby team at their Carton House training base last Monday, and he sang ‘Ordinary Man’ to the group.

“These are just ordinary men who are an extraordinary team,” Schmidt said in a a post-match interview with TV3.

Joe Schmidt reveals that Christy Moore played a part in @IrishRugby's preparations this weeks. He's like a proud dad. #TV3Rugby pic.twitter.com/KT7Y5DZ4t7

— TV3 Sport (@TV3SportIreland) March 17, 2018

Twitter appreciated the Kildare man's contribution to today's mammoth effort.

So Joe Schmidt interview reveals Ireland's secret ingredient - he had Christy Moore in to rally the lads. Love it! #ENGvIRL #6Nations #StPatricksDay pic.twitter.com/HpZkdesCgG

— Ruairí McKiernan (@ruairimckiernan) March 17, 2018

Christy Moore - the secret sauce in the mix! Who’da thunk it! #ENGvIRE

— Gráinne Daly (@26Scribbles) March 17, 2018

Great reference to Christy Moore and Ordinary Man by Joe Schmidt. That's what it's all about, humility. #ENGvIRE

— Anthony Costigan (@anthony_aptOn) March 17, 2018

It’s not the first time in recent months that Christy has backed his favourite sports teams – he popped into the Moorefield clubhouse to entertain the Leinster Senior Club Football champions last January with a performance of ‘Curragh of Kildare’.

Athy clubman Joey Carbery played his part in Ireland’s 24-15 win at Twickenham, substituting for Johnny Sexton during a head injury assessment and converting Jacob Stockdale’s try.

While we don't have footage of Christy's inspirational gig for the Irish team, you can enjoy this performance from his live video.