Limerick to gather in ‘field of dreams’ to view stars on big screen

LIMERICK city centre is to be turned into a “field of dreams” once again for another great sporting occasion.

More than 40,000 swarmed O’Connell Street on May 20, 2006, to view Munster on a huge television screen win the Heineken Cup final in the Millennium Stadium.

Munster players said the shots from Limerick flashed on the stadium big screen gave them a huge boost.

Munster’s red army will make way for the green Limerick army on Sunday, September 2, when hurling fans will be able to view the All-Ireland hurling final on the big screen.

With an allocation of 10,000 Croke Park tickets going to Limerick fans, thousands will want to savour a second-best atmosphere. Plans are underway to erect a big screen at the junction of Roches Street and O’Connell Street, facing towards Patrick Street.

One official said: “The screening of the Heineken Cup final last year was one of the greatest events ever organised in the city centre. It was so good many people said it was as good as being in the Millennium Stadium.”

Gardaí are already drawing up huge traffic detour plans so that most of O’Connell Street can be turned into a field of hurling dreams for Limerick fans.

Hotels in Dublin are already reporting heavy bookings for the weekend of the final.

Bus hire companies in Limerick say they are also trying to cope with huge bookings.

Pat McKenna of Irish Diamond Limousines in Limerick. said its white Lincoln, which can carry eight passengers, can be hired for €500 for the day.

He said: “If Limerick win, those on board can open the champagne bar and watch the match on car TV to shorten the homeward journey.”