Jock Tamson’s Bairns (that’s Scots) come in all shapes and sizes and some with tartain troos (not guilty) and Irish rugby fans too who come from far and wide to answer Aerland’s Call.
Firstly, the Jock Tamson bit… well, the Rev. John Thomson was the minister of Duddingston Kirk in Edinburgh at the turn of the 19th century and referred to his congregation as ‘ma bairns’.
And even my former editor and rugby nut and those fellow Scotland rugby fans who take it that bit further by dressing up like extras from The White Heather Club (ask your grandpa).
It was, in truth, hard to watch the rugby at the Aviva through the glare of his garish garb.
But, of course, he was hard to miss and we did bond over our disappointment at Scotland captain Stuart Hogg dropping the ball in sight of the line and gifting the hosts victory.
Something which he reprised against France in this Six Nations campaign too.
Aer Club competition
Hey ho, the Ireland v Scotland rugby contest has a special place in my heart as it was my last outing in Dublin, courtesy of my friends at Tourism Ireland at the end of my thirteen years working there.
Before the Scary One dragged me back to Jock Tamson’s land.
Now the Irish and Scots rugby fraternity pride themselves in their Gaelic commonality.
And that, of course, extends to their support of a second team… anyone who plays England.
All of which throwing the ball around at the back leads me somewhat and characteristically and circuitously to an Aer Lingus Aer Club competition.
The national airline has a pair of tickets to give away for Saturday’s final round of Six Nations matches.
With the Boys in Green still in with a shout of winning the championship.
And whisper it here but they need England to win on this occasion, against leaders France.
You know the answer
As is the way of such competitions the question is as easy as what is your own name.
Where is Ireland’s last match of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations with the options being the Aviva, Twickenham and Murrayfield.
Aer Club members have until midnight tonight, March 15, to enter.
And the good news is that the second prize is 20,000 Avios points which is enough for two return flights to Scotland, equally as good a prize.
Now Aer Lingus remain a favourite airline and friends from those 13 years in Ireland and pals still.
Touchdown
And I can’t leave today without mentioning their generosity in giving me comp tickets for their biennial Aer Lingus College Football match at the Aviva.
All of it was going swimmingly, apt really as the rain was falling, until The Scary One pipes up in the third quarter:
‘Are you allowed to throw the ball forward?’
Maybe stick to the rugby.
The next time we’re back to answer Aerland’s Call.
Breaking news
And right off the oul’ teleprinter.
Aer Lingus is offering €20 off return flights to Europe and the UK.
Book now and have the craic in London, paint the town green in Bordeaux or shamrock and roll in Barcelona!
