Limerick To Stay As Home Of Munster Rugby

The Munster Branch of the IRFU have confirmed that they are to conduct a feasiblity study in the Limerick area with regard to the provision of a 26,000-capacity stadium.

Thomond Park during a Heineken Cup match

The Munster Branch of the IRFU have confirmed that they are to conduct a feasibility study in the Limerick area with regard to the provision of a 26,000-capacity stadium.

Consulting Eingineers ARUP have been hired to conduct the study and a recommendation will be the made to the Munster Branch’s Development Committee in six weeks’ time.

Four potential sites are to come under investigation – the existing 13,000-capacity Thomond Park, the University of Limerick grounds recently purchased by the Branch, and two others, which could include the UL Bohs-owned grounds at Annacotty and Young Munster’s Derryknockane.

The Branch’s move ends the speculation that Munster were to use Musgrave Park in Cork as their regular home.

With negotiations stalled on a proposed buy-out of 16 houses adjacent to Thomond Park, engineers could look at a revised design of the world famous venue which would not call for the demolition of the Knockalisheen Road houses.

The important of the currten Thomond Park to Munster rugby cannot be unestimated.

Speaking recently about the province’s ten-year unbeaten Heineken Cup record at the ground, Munster captain Anthony Foley said: “The atmosphere at Thomond Park is special. You know that everyone in the side is going to give 100% when they play there.

“We’re very proud of our record there and the support we receive from our fans is magnificent. They give us a huge lift and they have played a big part of our success there.”