Thomond Park resounds to Oz game roar
The sacrosanct silence which envelopes the stadium as the oval ball is placed for a free was smashed by the raucous association football roar.
It was another great night at the home of Munster rugby.
The Australian team got a great welcome from the 20,000 in attendance and fans were calling in droves hours before the game to The Strand Hotel in the hope of getting team autographs.
One excited fan, Kevin Kiely, 15, managed to meet big name celebs in the FAI hospitality area. Kevin accompanied his dad, Mayor Kevin Kiely.
Mayor Kiely said: “Kevin is mad into soccer. He played on the Limerick under-14 team last year and captained Caherdavin to their division in the city school boys league. The game has given the city a great lift and has brought a lot business to hotels and the city in general. I have met a lot of soccer fans from other parts of the country and they are all amazed at the magnificence of Thomond Park. It’s great to have such a stadium to show off to our visitors.”
Eircom entertained guests in the Ormond Suite in the East Stand before the game.
And many guests managed to meet with players from both sides after the game.
It is estimated that last night’s game was worth up to €5 million to the local economy.
Prior to the game, Irish manager Giovanni Trapattoni took time out to visit the local Geraldines FC grounds where the Irish boss officially opened new dressing rooms.
Trap was welcomed at the grounds by Geraldines chairman Turlough McNamara.
At half-time, Limerick goalkeeping legend Kevin Fitzpatrick was inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame.
Kevin, who played for Limerick sides for 22 years, said: “It’s a great honour to receive the award in my home town on such a special occasion.”
While the night ended in a 3-0 defeat for Ireland, Thomond Park still gave a loud cheer for the visit of international soccer.
