Ireland was playing England at rugby football, an event that has been going on for more than 100 years.

The game always has a special resonance because of the history of the two countries.

This game was different, and it reminded me of a rugby game in South Africa in 1995. That year there was a huge national debate about whether the South African rugby team, then in the World Cup Final against the All Blacks of New Zealand, could or would call themselves “Springboks,” which they had done for over 100 years.

Some argued that the green and gold Springbok jersey epitomized white supremacy, and particularly, Afrikaans domination and apartheid. The new Rainbow Nation demanded change. Articles were written, sides were taken, and the matter became a heated national debate. Twenty minutes before the kickoff of the historic World Cup Final in Johannesburg, a solitary figure emerged from the tunnel onto the field where both sides were lined up. He was wearing a Springbok jersey and cap. It was Nelson Mandela.

In a single moment, and by a single gesture, without a word being spoken, Mandela put the debate beyond further discussion. All South Africans, of all colors, would play as Springboks for all time.

What happened in Dublin earlier this month had a similar aura of history and reconciliation. Until ten years ago, the Gaelic Athletic Association enforced a ban on playing “foreign” games such as rugby and soccer. It was a source of great contention within the organization until the ban was rescinded.

Meanwhile, the association had rebuilt the greatest sporting stadium in Ireland, Croke Park. Behind those great stands I had learned my rugby as a young boy, almost half a century ago. It became the venue for this month’s big rugby match between Ireland and England.

The prelude to any international match requires the singing of both the home and the foreign national anthems – in England’s case, “God Save the Queen.” Few readers will require a history lesson on the struggle between Ireland and England over the centuries.

So the stage was set. The game was being played in Ireland’s most national stadium, and the crowd would be asked to hear the national anthem of England. It was an unpredictable event of particular importance to Ireland before itself and the world.

I cannot convey the feeling of expectancy as the English team took the field. The Irish crowd and their own supporters rose as one to applaud them in the most generous fashion. The Irish team was greeted with equal rapture and then the Army and Garda bands played the national anthem of Great Britain.

I have never been so proud of my country. As supporters of the English team sang their anthem, Irish fans listened with respect and then applauded at the end.

It was a moment I will never forget. It was a moment that defined our nation as coming of age. It was a moment that caused strong men to weep.

It was a day in which God touched everyone on the shoulder, as if to say, “This is a moment you will never forget. This is a moment of forgiveness, tolerance and understanding between your two nations. You have been elevated to a new high altar of expectation and acceptance.” We will not see this moment again in our lifetimes.

Thank you, God.