In the unsentimental world of modern day sport, it is easy to forget the positive influence sporting achievement can exert in bringing people together in a spirit of friendship and unity. Saturday's momentous victory by Ulster in the European Rugby Cup final at Lansdowne Road was one of those wonderful occasions when sport's ability to bridge social and political barriers was manifest.
Over 30,000 supporters from all parts of Northern Ireland converged on Dublin to celebrate Ulster's achievement in qualifying for the final of the most important competition in European rugby - outside of the Five Nations - and to urge on their heroes on their date with destiny. They brought with them a hope and fervour which was embraced by rugby supporters from the other provinces, turning Lansdowne Road into a cauldron of noise and colour more reminiscent of Croke Park on All Ireland final day.
Although the weight of expectation was immense, the character and unity forged by the Ulster team on their run to the final proved to be the province's greatest asset at Lansdowne Road. Unlike many Irish international sides, Ulster recognised their own limitations and devised a gameplan with which opponents Colomiers never got to grips. The rugby nous of coach Harry Williams and captain David Humphreys ensured that Ulster exerted dominance in critical areas, frustrated the French and, in turn, extracted penalty opportunities for the unerring boot of fullback Simon Mason.
The fact that the game itself yielded no tries or outstanding back-line movements did not matter a jot to the Lansdowne Road crowd, who were witnessing one of the great days in Irish rugby history. They roared Ulster home, giving Irish sport and particularly rugby a huge fillip.
As well as the benefits Irish rugby will reap from Ulster's victory, the troubled European Cup also received a boost, which should help to copper-fasten its future. In its brief but volatile history, the tournament has suffered a never-ending series of problems, principally this year's boycott of the tournament by England's top clubs.
However, even the absent English clubs would find it hard to argue with Ulster's achievement. In the knock-out phase of the competition they disposed of two of the most powerful sides in European rugby, Toulouse and Stade Francais, before their crowning achievement at Lansdowne Road. It is to be hoped that Ulster's victory will serve as a reminder to some of England's misguided and selfish rugby interests that there is a vibrant rugby life without their presence.
For Ulster and the 49,000 spectators privileged to be at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, the memories will be cherished. A fairytale came to pass and sport, stripped of its modern baggage of financial greed and cynicism, was again captivating and joyous.