Harrington ‘fascinated’ by Munster phenomenon

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON picked a perfect evening to see Munster for the first time at Thomond Park.

Though born and raised in Dublin, Harrington has a strong affiliation with the southern province as his late father, Paddy, was a native of Castletownbere and played football for Cork.

He was full of admiration both for the amazing atmosphere permeating the new Limerick stadium before, during and after the game. Indeed, it was close on midnight when he and wife Caroline, family members and good friend JP McManus headed for home after a memorable occasion.

“I was fascinated by the atmosphere created by the team and their ability to play above themselves and excel at the very top. I was delighted to come down and see that at first hand.

“I’m obviously no expert in the plays and things like that but I was fascinated by the atmosphere and excitement.

“The town was buzzing and it’s amazing what a sporting occasion can bring to a venue.

“There were no thoughts of recession in Limerick Tuesday night. Everybody was out there enjoying themselves.

“The minute that ball was kicked off, there was the nervousness of the crowd of what was going to happen, what was going to unfold.”

Harrington also knows a good and brave footballer when he sees one.

“Peter Stringer has been one of the people I have watched over the years and I would pick him out as one of my sporting heroes,” he enthused. “To see a guy who is obviously disadvantaged in terms of size on the pitch but always play above himself is magnificent. He had a phenomenal game.

“All the players had a phenomenal game. To see their 100% commitment, to see their lack of fear … they weren’t afraid of making mistakes … they were obviously in the zone. There was a lot about getting it done without thought of the consequences. This is the goal any player should have going out in any sport — to have that free flowing nature, trying to do as good as they can without the fear of making a mistake.

“If you have the ‘what if I fail’ mentality, you’re always going to fail miserably. But Munster didn’t seem to have that. They always seemed to be only concerned about looking forward and doing their very best.”