Pig ’n’ Porter festival gives rugby a fresh twist

TALK of a swine flu was a no-no yesterday as Limerick presented plans for a big Pig ’n’ Porter tag rugby festival.

Old Crescent RFC, in association with the Irish Tag Rugby Association (ITRA), will host the festival at its grounds in Rosbrien, between Friday, July 17 and Sunday, July 19.

Organiser Pádraic O’Connor said the Pig ’n’ Porter has been growing steadily over the past eight years.

He said: “We started with 12 teams in 2002, had over 90 teams last year from all across Ireland and Britain and this year we’re hoping to have 120 teams. The festival brings a large number of visitors to Limerick for the weekend and it is always a huge success. Since its inception, we’ve had more than 10,000 participants and we’re delighted to be a permanent fixture on Limerick’s sporting calendar.”

Pat Daly, tourism and marketing manager with Shannon Development, said the development of sports tourism was an integral part of Shannon Development’s tourism strategy.

He added: “Sporting festivals like the Pig ’n’ Porter festival provide a welcome boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors including accommodation providers, bars, restaurants and visitor attractions.”

The event commences with a welcome party at The Piggery in the grounds of Old Crescent RFC.

Mr O’Connor said: “Throughout the day, the iconic pig will be roasting on a spit ahead of the Pig ’n’ Porter BBQ. When the prizes have been handed out and the weary bodies have had a chance to recover, the festival continues with live ballad sessions, a live band, a bouncy castle, bucking bronco bull and a disco.”

A new addition to the Pig ’‘n’ Porter Super Tag will be the Porter Frisbee Tag featuring 20 teams from Ireland/Britain.

Team registration will be going live on Friday, May 1 and can be completed on www.pignporter.com.