Memories - and myths - that linger from a special day for Munster in 1978

The most obvious starting point when exploring the myths surrounding Munster’s historic win over New Zealand is the attendance. At least I can honestly declare that “yes, I was there”, a claim that many in the years that followed that famous encounter deemed to imagine.

As Munster’s Heineken Cup march on Europe began in earnest at the turn of the millennium, and the numbers following the province soared to unprecedented levels, the badge of honour was an ability to claim “I was there the day we beat the All Blacks.”

By that benchmark alone, the numbers crammed into the old Thomond Park would have needed to expand four-fold. Asked to recount his experiences of the game for the Limerick Leader two weeks after the match, the great Listowel playwright and lifelong family friend John B Keane turned clairvoyant.