‘Scumbags’ leave note at vandalised Thomond Park
In block capitals it read: “F**K THE GUARDS F**K THE SYSTEM SIGNED SCUMBAGS.”
It was discovered by chief steward at Thomond Park, Liam McCarthy.
“I found the note at the scoreboard end of the ground. It was right at the butt of one goalpost. It was on white paper with a blue rim,” he said.
“The note was written in block capital letters in rough handwriting in red ink. I handed it over to the gardaí.”
He said the note was deliberately placed where it would be noticed.
Last night it was revealed a total of about 490 holes were dug up with shovels. Gardaí suspect at least two people were involved, given the amount of damage they caused between 5.15pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday.
Local sources in Limerick last night said those responsible may have acted as though they were preparing ground as groundsmen.
“They seem to have acted in a very methodical manner and there was a pattern to what they were doing in that they moved up and down the field about 15 metres in from either sideline.
“This would have given the impression to any resident who may have seem them from a nearby house that they were groundsmen,” said the source.
Top officials from the Irish Rugby Football Union in Dublin visited the scene yesterday to do a damage assessment.
The IRFU yesterday said Thomond Park will be unplayable until October 22. Munster’s first Celtic League game scheduled for September 23 will be transferred to Cork.
The Charity Cup Final between UL Bohs and Thomond scheduled for Saturday has been postponed.
Two interprovincial games due to have been played at Thomond Park tonight have been switched to other Limerick venues.
The local Live 95 radio station was inundated with calls yesterday during the Ed Myers morning programme from listeners voicing their anger and disgust at what happened.
Chief Supt Willie Keane said yesterday that all possible garda efforts would be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Gardaí at Mayorstone garda station are carrying out extensive enquiries.
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