Ireland won their fourth Six Nations Grand Slam with a 29-16 win over England in Dublin.
The victory gives the team a big boost, underlining their status as the highest-ranked team in the world ahead of September’s World Cup in France.
England came within a point of an upset with just 20 minutes to go, despite playing with just 14 men for the entire second half.
But late tries from Robbie Henshaw, Rob Herring and a second for man of the match Dan Sheehan secured the 15th Irish Championship and fifth since 2009.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton said afterwards: “You couldn’t make it up – it’s like living in a dream.
“We didn’t play our best, but damn – what a team.
“What a group of coaches.
“Coming here and getting a win on St Patrick’s Day weekend is amazing – what a day.”
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England were hoping to regain some pride after a record 53-10 loss to France.
Captain Owen Farrell said on Saturday night: “I think we showed a tremendous amount of combat.
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“Obviously the game changed with the map [Freddie Steward was sent off on the stroke of half-time following an arm to the head of Hugo Keenan]but we still showed a huge amount of combat and got stuck there.
“We have built foundations during the Six Nations, but we clearly want to be a better team.”
England finished the competition in fourth place, behind France in second and Scotland in third. Wales finished fifth and it was another wooden spoon for Italy.
