I was one of the lucky ones to witness first-hand Munster’s unbelievable last-gasp finish in last weekend’s Heineken Cup first round encounter with Northampton Saints. It can only be described in one word...UNREAL! Honestly, it was probably one of the most nerve-wracking games that I have ever witnessed in the flesh. I have never gotten so excited and indeed scared in my life when the legend that is ROG moved back into position for that drop-kick. The reaction in the ground was nothing short of amazing, I’ve never seen anything like it! The stadium erupted into a chorus of cheers, screams and indeed tears were also shed.
For a first round game, the atmosphere was unforgettable. It was my first time at Thomond Park, and what a game to be at! Luckily my friend was able to get my friends and I tickets, so there was a nice group of us together. The buzz was certainly building when we found our spot in the North End terrace soon after 5.30pm (kick-off was 6pm). The stadium burst into song when Munster marched onto the pitch, and there was a sea of red everywhere, though there was a little sprinkling of the green of Northampton.
I have always been a rugby fan, but it was my first time being at a proper, competitive game, so I didn’t know what to expect. Needless to say, my echoing “COME ON MUNSTER” blended in perfectly throughout the game, sometimes deafening my friends! It was a fantastic evening though, and it was the perfect ending to a phenomenally exciting game!
The buzz around the city before and after the game was also brilliant to see. Limerick city, it has to be said, has really been struggling in recent times. Anyone who is a frequent visitor to the city has seen the clusters of dormant shops and houses all over the city. But whenever the Heineken Cup games are in town, the city comes to life. Pubs and restaurants are thronged with rugby fanatics, all eager to soak up either the pre- or post-match buzz. If only Limerick was as busy as that more often, it would be fantastic for everyone connected with the city.
Limerick isn’t the worst city in the world. I know it has a fairly dodgy reputation (Stab City will always be a tag related to the city) but it’s actually quite a nice place. It’s a real pity to see such a flurry of shops closed down though, especially with the run-up to Christmas. Hopefully in the near future, these businesses will get the kick-start they need, and bring some much-needed vitality and life back into the city.
I would highly recommend everyone studying in Limerick to get to Thomond Park before you finish your studies in the city. Whether it be a Heineken Cup game, or even a league game, get down to a game! Honestly, the atmosphere has to be seen and witnessed to be believed..simply unbelievable! If anyone is interested in getting tickets for games in future, visit the Munster rugby site on www.munsterrugby.ie, or alternatively you can visit www.munsterrugbysales.com. Don’t regret it, book your ticket!!
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