‘It got the better of me’ Ian Madigan reveals what triggered THOSE tears
It was the image that summed up so much for Irish rugby fans: substitute out-half Ian Madigan shedding tears of joy, pure emotion – and of relief – as the final whistle sounded at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Rising to the challenge when star-player Johnny Sexton limped off the pitch with just 25 minutes played, the Leinster-man had certainly performed when his teammates – and his country – needed him.
And although we've yet to play our quarter-final game (against Argentina – and taking place next Sunday), the Boys In Green have already given us plenty of reasons to be proud.
Indeed, with much of the country still preoccupied with 26-year-old Ian's performance – as well as that outpouring of emotion – the man-of-the-hour himself has taken to Instagram to reveal just what prompted the sobs.
"Incredible support from home and in the Millennium yesterday," he began – before tellingly adding: "Seeing mum and dad got the better of me at the end."
He furthermore included two playful emojis – a crying face and a baby.
His fans were firmly on his side, however. "Fantastic game! Who'd blame you? I was a blubbering mess meself! Bawling in the middle of the pub haha! Well done Mads," said one.
"You did us all proud yesterday Ian, amazing performance, well done!!" stated another, while a third wrote: "What a superstar!! Congrats Ian a huge performance! So deserved."
Meanwhile, there was further good news for the Irish team today: the squad moved up to No.3 in the world, just behind New Zealand and Australia respectively.
Our quarter-final foes Argentina slot in at No.6, with England, Scotland, and new-entrants Japan occupying the eighth, ninth, and 10th spots.
