Thomond Park’s name is not for sale

IT’S the spiritual home of Munster rugby and although much has changed at Thomond Park, the name will remain the same.

As management draws up plans to maximise the stadium’s commercial potential, plans to auction naming rights have been shelved.

Thomond Park manager John Cantwell said the name is so strong, it cannot be valued in euro.

A proposal to sell the naming rights when the €40m redevelopment of the ground opened two years ago was met with massive opposition from supporters.

Mr Cantwell said they intend to embark on a promotion campaign to heighten public awareness of the stadium’s facilities.

Already this year, more than 40,000 people attended concerts by Bob Dylan and Pink, with a huge spinoff for Limerick.

The stadium also hosted its first civil wedding ceremony recently.

Mr Cantwell said they would be loathe to sell the naming rights and follow in the footsteps of the former Lansdowne Road stadium, now the Aviva.

“Thomond Park is a unique product, a unique destination. Our decision not to sell the naming rights was the right one and a positive one.

“The Thomond Park name has a value which cannot be valued in euros.”

Mr Cantwell said they hope to commence a rebranding campaign within weeks. This will set out how they should maximise the attractiveness of the venue for conferences, corporate, and other events.