Dan Sheehan caught the eye during Ireland’s 26-5 win over Scotland in their final match of the Championship, picking up the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Match award.
As the hosts kept alive their Championship hopes before France host England later tonight, Sheehan was at the centre of everything Andy Farrell’s team did as they managed to secure a precious bonus-point win.
The 23-year-old hooker went over in the 16th minute to open the scoring for the hosts, setting the tone in front of a raucous Dublin crowd and grab his maiden Guinness Six Nations try.
Sheehan intelligently peeled away from a rolling Ireland maul to dot down and send his team firmly on their way to a crucial victory over a determined Scotland side.
Speaking after receiving his award Sheehan was quick to point out the importance of winning the Triple Crown regardless of the outcome of the Championship.
“The Triple Crown is something hugely special to the Irish people,” Sheehan said in his post-match interview.
“And it’s something we haven’t had for a long time so it is great to have it back.
“It’s great when you have the whole pack – all the backs – putting you on the front foot.
“It’s easy then and I think the whole team has worked well over the eight weeks of the Guinness Six Nations.
“I think there is also plenty more in us and to get to where we’ve got with the performances we’ve given is great, hopefully there is something special to come.
“It was class (to win in front of a passionate home crowd). We always look forward to coming back to the Aviva Stadium.
“It is really special to everyone here, all the team and the crowd give us a great rise for every game.”
