‘Pleasant’ weather predicted for fans at home of rugby

ALL around will be fresh and fair for those who stayed in their native Limerick to watch today’s final outdoors — after all rugby’s home is there.

As if reading the lyrics of the famed Limerick rugby anthem “There is an Isle” Met Éireann predicted pleasant weather for the thousands expected to watch the European Cup final on O’Connell Street today.

Meteorologist Joan Blackburn forecasted there will be no downpours before Munster and Toulouse run out at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

“It should be dry, bright and pleasant in Limerick with temperatures in the region of 17 to 18 degrees Celsius,” she said.

The only thing which may affect the conditions is a bitter breeze sweeping across the country from the east coast. This has not arisen from Leinster fans disgruntled at failing to emerge from the group stages however Ms Blackburn said the Donnybrook faithful, already with little to cheer about, will feel the worst of this snap.

“The easterly breeze is the only thing which might affect the weather a little bit. It will be cold on the east coast but will not be as bad on the west after it has come over land,” she said.

There is a slim chance of a slight shower passing over Limerick in the afternoon but Ms Blackburn does not predict anything which will last long.

The Irish Examiner, Shannon Development and Limerick city and county councils have sponsored the erection of two big screens in Limerick city centre to ensure those who could not travel across the Irish Sea can savour the atmosphere.

People are welcome at the event from midday onwards, with entertainment from 3pm.