Munster give Gaffney a farewell present

IT was a joyous and poignant occasion for coach Alan Gaffney as Munster advanced to a Celtic Cup semi final clash with Leinster at Lansdowne Road next Sunday (5.30pm).

Gaffney sat in the Thomond Park stand on Saturday night at the end of a hair-raising victory over Edinburgh, conscious that it would be his last time in charge at his favourite venue.

The Australian will oversee Munster’s remaining fixtures, one or both away, before returning home after three years at the helm and he admitted, “I will miss the buzz at Munster’s home fixtures. It’s an emotional night for me, the fans have been fantastic over the last few seasons. They’re part of the team and I’m glad we got the win to keep a marvellous record intact.”