Joel Garner talks to a youngster at Rathmines in 1984
A star studded West Indies side came to Dublin to play Ireland in a two-day game, taking a break from their all-conquering tour of England. They were in the middle of inflicting a 5-0 'Blackwash' upon their beleaguered hosts, inflicting severe physical damage along the way.
Andy Lloyd was knocked out by Malcolm Marshall in one Test, never to play at the highest level again, while Paul Terry met the same fate, having had his arm broken by Winston Davis.
The West Indies were at probably the height of their powers in this era, and despite the likes of Viv Richards, Michael Holding, Clive Lloyd and Desmond Haynes not featuring in the Rathmines game, there was still enough talent on show to ensure a bumper crowd in Dublin.
The West Indies racked up a mammoth 584 for 6 declared when they batted, with Larry Gomes (153), Gus Logie (129), both scoring hundreds, while Gordon Greenidge, Richie Richardson, Thelston Payne, and Roger Harper all passed fifty.
Only Jeffrey Dujon (15) failed as the Irish attack were dispatched to all parts of the ground. Garfield Harrison (2-85) and Simon Corlett (2-96) were the pick of the Irish bowlers, with Dermott Monteith (0-123), Michael Halliday (0-123) and Alan Jeffrey (0-76) coming in for some punishment.
In total, the Windies hit 69 fours and 16 sixes, with Roger Harper clearing the ropes seven times.
When it came to Ireland's turn to bat in a rain affected second day, they managed to make 187 for 9 in 69 overs, before play was abandoned.
The West Indies used nine bowlers, with perhaps surprisingly Courtney Walsh and Eldine Baptiste being wicketless. Joe Garner took 1 for 6 in just 6 overs, while Milton Small (a misnomer if ever there was one) took 2 for 19.
It was the giant figure of Roger Harper (4-58) who did the real damage, while Larry Gomes accounted for debutant Alan Lewis for 0 - there were to be happier times ahead for the affable Lewis in Irish colours.
Gordon Greenidge was the other wicket taker accounting for Simon Corlett. Greenidge was to play a starring role with the bat just a week later, when he smashed an unbeaten double hundred as West Indies chased 344 to win at Lord's by nine wickets in just over two sessions, after England had declared on the final day.
Jack Short (54) and Mike Halliday (43), top scored for Ireland, while Paul Jackson (25*), John Prior (15) and Alan Jeffrey (12*) were the other players to reach double figures.
A truly memorable two days all those years ago, and it's testimony to the strength of that West Indies side, that the mere mention of their players still conjures up wonderful images 27 years on.