Thomond Park close to finish line

A rare boast in this country nowadays when it comes to big construction projects.

But that’s the story coming from the magnificently rebuilt Thomond Park, home of Munster rugby.

Two years ago it started out at €40 million.

And now it is about to be finished — at €40m.

The spectacular design was unveiled at a press briefing in the Clarion Suite Hotel just two years ago and September 2008 was the original completion date.

The finishing touches are already well advanced and the builders are ready to move out.

Great negotiation skills had to be called on to buy out 13 privately owned terraced houses at Knockalisheen Road, adjacent to the old Thomond Park.

It is estimated the IRFU paid about €4m to the home owners and a further three houses were acquired from Limerick City Council.

The project has been steered by the Thomond Park Development Company, which is headed by IRFU committee member, Pat Whelan.

The directors include John Hartery, Ken Lyons, Garrett Fitzgerald, Niall O’Donovan and Martin Murphy.

An English design company, AFL, which specialises in stadium architecture, was engaged along with Limerick architectural firm, Murray O’Laoire.

AFL designed the new stands at Old Trafford and also completed the design for a new Liverpool FC stadium.

The main contract was awarded to the firm of PJ Hegarty.

Pat Whelan said: “We could be ahead of schedule with the completion if we needed, but it will be ready for the original finishing month, September. It is completely on programme.”

While the first fixture will take place on November 12 when Munster take on the All Blacks, the team will play host to Canada the previous week.

Mr Whelan said it is also hoped to play some Magners league games prior to the official opening. This will enable them to tweak any teething matters.

Mr Whelan said: “A new pitch has been laid with a new irrigation system. We have also acquired some of the flood lighting from Lansdowne Road to add to the existing lighting.”

Thomond Park will have a capacity of 26,000, of which 15,000 will be accommodated in the two new stands.

To generate early money, 2,500 10-year tickets have been sold for prices of €5,000 and €5,500.

Twenty corporate boxes have also been constructed in the two stands and most have already been snapped up.

UL Bohemians and Shannon RFC, who both use Thomond Park as home venue, will continue in residence.

UL Bohs have been allocated clubhouse accommodation in the new West Stand and Shannon will remain on in their old pavilion, which has not been affected by the redesign.

Mr Whelan paid tribute to all who have helped get Thomond Park completed on time and within budget.

He said: “We would like to say a special thanks to the former residents of Knockalisheen Road for helping us get the necessary sites to go ahead with the project. We must also pay tribute to all the residents of the area as we had no planning objection holding us up.”

As the stadium is located on one of the highest points in the city, it will be visible from the city’s main entry routes.

Mr Whelan said: “Its unique design will give Limerick a stadium any city in the world wold be proud of. It will be a magnificent addition to the skyline.”