Munster branch denies decision has been taken on stadium

AS fears for the future of Thomond Park intensified last night, the president of the Munster branch of the IRFU denied a decision to pull out has been taken.

However, Ken Lyons warned they have drawn up a contingency plan which includes moving major games to Cork’s enlarged Musgrave Park or to a new stadium to be built on a green field site if they cannot double the capacity of Thomond Park.

Talks between the IRFU and local residents in Knockalisheen Road to buy out their 16 terraced homes have remained deadlocked. Residents say the €200,000 per house on offer will not enable them purchase replacement homes.