Volcanic celebrations erupt after epic victory

MUNSTER'S magnificent win over Leinster unleashed a tidal wave of celebration at Lansdowne Road after 5pm yesterday.

A virtual lava-flow of red poured through Dublin 4 as thousands of delighted Munster fans were homeward bound in jubilation.

That journey was made all the sweeter for many Munster fans by ex-Limerick hurler Eamonn Rea.

Eamonn, who won an All-Ireland senior hurling medal with Limerick in 1973, has a pub at Park Gate Street just across the road from Heuston Station.

Eamonn had radios on in the bar tuned into both Lansdowne Road and Semple Stadium in Thurles throughout the afternoon.

He explained: "I am chairman of the Limerick GAA supporters' club in Dublin and we always travel to Limerick games. But because of the big game in Dublin today I was unable to get away down to Thurles to see Limerick play Clare."

While there was an intense rivalry on the terraces and on the field, three supporters demonstrated a certain sporting solidarity yesterday.

Rory Nevin from Carlow, John Mehan from Newbridge and Michael Fitzpatrick from Templemore all travelled to the game together - Rory and John wearing Leinster jerseys and Michael wearing a Munster one.

Rory said: "The three of us have been going to Munster matches for years together and this is the first time both our sides have clashed in a Heineken Cup decider. I worked in Limerick for a number of years during which time I supported Munster. But as Munster have come out on top today all three of us will go to the final in Cardiff to shout for Munster."

Former MEP Paddy Lane was also celebrating last night in Dublin with his daughter Liz.

Paddy, a former IFA president, said: "It was a fantastic game, a game of true sportsmanship. The spirit of Munster came through in the end."