The All Blacks of New Zealand might have triumphed in their quarter-final Rugby World Cup showdown with Ireland (46 to 14) but it was a shock Irish victory in our Black v Green match prediction contest sponsored by Walsh Whiskey.
On offer was a personalised bottle of Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Japanese Cask Finish Irish Whiskey, complete with the match date, final score and choice of monikers, ‘Tears of Joy’ or ‘Tears of Pain’, adorned on the label.
Predictably the entries were split down partisan lines – Irishmen and women opting for Ireland, Kiwis for the All Blacks. Neutrals were evenly divided with feelings occasionally running high (one highly pragmatic industry consultant not so graciously trolling, though subsequently deleting, on Twitter, “New Zealand won’t get past the quarters, you chump” – well, we did). The wide margin of victory caught just about everyone out, however.
There was one exception. And, surprise, surprise, it was an Irishman – travel retail sector consultant and long-time Aer Rianta International executive Maurice Burke.
Despite having the greenest of greens running through his veins, the staunch Irish patriot opted for a 37-19 victory for the All Blacks – a net differential of 14 points, ahead of the 20-point deficit of joint runners-up Auckland Airport General Manager – Retail and Commercial Richard Barker; Concourse Managing Director Chris Morriss, Managing Director; and Redesign Group Managing Director Jo Pennycuick.
In a touch every bit as classy as a Beauden Barrett no-look pass, Maurice, himself a cancer survivor, wrote, “If I win, please include the bottle in the next auction you have and donate the proceeds to breast cancer research.”
We will indeed do that Maurice. The team at Walsh Whiskey will have a special personalised label prepared, featuring the occasion, the score and the words ‘Tears of Joy and Tears of Pain’. It’s sure to become a collectors’ item and one that will generate much-needed funds for breast cancer research.
Thank you to Maurice, Walsh Whiskey and to all our entrants.
