Thomond to play host to weddings

RUGBY-MAD couples are bidding to be the first to wed on the hallowed turf of Thomond Park and walk down the touch line as man and wife.

The €40 million stadium has three function suites looking on to the pitch and wedding inquiries are already coming in.

Two function rooms on the new east stand nearest the city will be able to seat 500 and 200 and the third on the west stand will be able to seat 300 guests.

To add to the wow-factor of a Thomond Park wedding, catering will be done by Master Chefs who have looked after many celeb weddings, including that of Michael Flatley.

Master Chefs have won the contract to run all the catering and bars when the venue opens in October.

Thomond Park managing director Pat O’Sullivan said: “We have had a number of inquiries about weddings. It is a magnificent iconic setting for any couple’s big day.

“As well as three fantastic banqueting suites, the kitchens have been fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment. We intend to market Thomond Park as a hospitality venue for any occasion.”

Each of the 20 corporate boxes will be able to cater for 15 guests.

Mr O’Sullivan said: “Between corporate boxes and the three suites we will be able to cater for up to 1,300 people on big match days.

“We will have about 250 people on site for these full house occasions as we will also have all 14 bars, sandwich bars, baguette bars and all the food outlets.”

Master Chefs provides catering at most of the big racing venues such as the Curragh, Leopardstown, Fairyhouse as well as the Irish Open golf tournament.

The Limerick registrar of marriages, Louis Quirke said yesterday he goes to outside locations every Wednesday to do civil weddings.

As Thomond Park is a permanent structure, open to the public, it meets the criteria as a wedding venue.