There are happenings in sport that we will remember and recall as long as memory holds. Special occasions to reflect on with unconfined joy that brighten our lives. The match last Sunday at Stade de France will, for me, always be a cherished memory, a day I will never forget.

Paris in the springtime is a wonderful sight. Last Sunday in the French capital dawned bright and fair. It was a day of brilliant sunshine. This was French rugby weather, the sun on their backs and their vociferous and enthusiastic supporters in full voice.

As is their wont, the French supporters poured into Paris from the south west, the heartland of French rugby. They were colourful and many had musical accompaniment. They came not in hope but in the expectation of celebrating yet another French win over Ireland. Only the middle-aged in their ranks, and indeed in ours, had ever experienced anything but a French win over Ireland in Paris.

The journey out to Stade de France on Sunday afternoon was made with more than a tremor of anxiety about Ireland's chances. Yes, we had been fortified by the great wins over Scotland and Italy. But this was France in Paris. This was a test of a different dimension. This was a city where Ireland through the years had so often endured and failed to cope with the flair and the pace of the French.

Not for 28 years had Ireland known what it was to leave Paris having won. In that span of half a lifetime the biennial visit yielded nothing but frustration and defeat. Force of circumstances were such that I was unable to make the visit to Paris in 1972, the last time Ireland won in France. That was at Stade Colombes, a relic of old decency now decaying in its old age.

The French were about to leave that venue and move to the Parc des Princes. Thirteen times Ireland played there and 13 times Ireland lost. On a few of those occasions fate dealt Ireland a fickle hand, such as in 1978 when the match was played on a frozen surface and two years later when, as in 1978, Ireland lost by a point. But through the years Ireland took some severe beatings. We do not easily forget 1992 and that 44-12 demolition or indeed 1996 and the 45-10 devastation.

The French took their leave of Parc des Princes two years ago to move to the beautiful new Stade de France. We were glad to see the back of the Parc des Princes. Ireland went to Stade de France two years ago under a new coach Warren Gatland and against a background of some turmoil. Against expectations Ireland could and should have won, losing 18-16. The Paris monkey was still on Irish backs.

Last season yielded one championship win for Ireland - against Wales in Wembley. There followed the World Cup and the nightmare of Lens. Twickenham in February compounded Irish problems.

Shaken by those dreadful results and prompted by Munster's performances in the European Cup, the Ireland management put their faith in the young ones. They added an experienced element and reconstructed the side. They brought back the man who had been the inspirational font that had proved so effective for Munster, Mick Galwey. They gave the captaincy back to Keith Wood. There ensued two memorable wins over Scotland and Italy and suddenly the clouds were lifting.

But France in Paris represented the real test given the baggage of recurring defeats in Paris stretching back over a quarter of a century. That was the background of most intimidating proportions against which the Ireland team ran onto the field in Paris last Sunday afternoon.

We must therefore judge Ireland's performance last Sunday in a wide embracing context bearing in mind the psychological barrier that had to be overcome.

It was a match that began in rather a frenetic manner and Ireland made an uneasy start. Six points down early on and the French almost in for a try. How were we to know in those early minutes, rooted in anxiety and doubt, that we were about to witness one of the truly great Irish victories and to be present to see a team give a performance that now assuredly gives every reason for optimism about Ireland's future on the international scene?

SO where does this performance and victory rank in the great occasions for Irish rugby through the years? Bearing in mind all the circumstances, it is worthy to be rated amongst the very best. On a personal level, 16 times I had been in Paris to watch Ireland - at Stade Colombes, at Parc Des Princes and at Stade de France - and 16 times it had been the same story of defeat.

So in the days ahead when I think of Paris in the springtime of the year 2000, what will come readily to mind? I will think of a young centre who, like the great actor, takes his cue at the right moment to go centre stage and captive his audience, in the process stealing the show. I will remember the brilliance of a young scrumhalf who has brought a whole new dimension to the Irish backline. I will recall his skill, courage, his perfect timing and the speed and accuracy of his passing. He is the best we have had in the number nine jersey since John O'Meara.

I will readily recall the magnificent try-saving tackle on the French hooker Dal Maso by the rejuvenated Denis Hickie and the tour de force by Peter Clohessy; the sheer delight of seeing David Humphreys kick the penalty from 45 yards that proved decisive and the collective team effort that saw a 19-7 French lead erased and overturned with just 24 minutes remaining. I will remember Ireland outscoring France by three tries to one.

Twickenham last February seemed like a century ago. The sun shining, Paris dressed at its splendid best, Ireland's triumphant and style in achieving a famous victory adding to the glory of the hour. Then the news came through, Arsenal had beaten Spurs at Highbury. Oh what a beautiful day.