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Published 14:08 15 Sept 2015 BST
Updated 15:23 18 Sept 2015 BST
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There was a hug from fan Jennifer Malone for Cian Healy, after the loosehead prop was Monday given the all clear to play following a persistent nerve problem had prevented him from taking any part in Ireland's four warm-up games.
Ireland travel with great optimism despite defeats in their final two matches, against Wales and England, but with no major injury concerns head coach Schmidt will hope his key performers like Johnny Sexton will hit top form in time for Italy and France, following favourable lead-in fixtures against Canada and Romania.
Since convening in Carton House at the end of June, Schmidt has had more access to players, such as Luke Fitzgerald, than at any other time during his two years in charge of Ireland.
The squad looked relaxed ahead of their departure for Wales, with Munster duo Simon Zebo and Peter O'Mahony enjoying a final hit-out in Kildare.
Following their travel day, Thursday's training session will be held at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens, before Friday's captain's run in the Millennium Stadium.
After a pretty settled existence in Kildare, Jared Payne and Co will have to get used to a more transient existence, with four different training grounds over the next month. Following Sophia Gardens, they will use the English FA's St George's Park ahead of the Romania clash, Surrey Sports Park before Italy and Newport High School in run-up to France Test.Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
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