Red Army to march on Thomond in final tribute
Tickets were hitting 10 times face value on the Ebay site, with frantic fans reaching deep into their pockets.
A Leicester fan who auctioned two terrace tickets — each with a €25 face value — received a total offer of €528.
After more than 10 bids, the cost of each ticket spiralled from £50 (€78) to £165 (€264).
The Leicester seller said he had to cancel his trip as his daughter, who was to travel to Limerick with him, could not get off work.
As the ticket frenzy intensified, another Ebay tout sought a whopping £2,000 (€3,120) for 10 terrace tickets with a total face value of €250.
One man without a ticket problem, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will join the ranks of the Red Army for the big Heineken European Cup clash. And to generate a pre-match street party atmosphere, thousands of fans are expected to take part in a ritualistic parade from the city centre to Thomond Park. Marching to the Munster war cry of Stand Up and Fight they will be led by local bands.
The Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Joe Leddin said: “I would appeal to as many people as possible to join the Munster rugby supporters club parade on Saturday as a mark of support and appreciation for all the pleasure that the old Thomond Park has given fans.”
The Thomond Park party will start at Bedford Row at 3.30pm and the fans will be lead by the CBS pipe band.
Munster supporters spokeswoman Trish Brewitt said fans should make Saturday a Red Day by wearing red and bringing along as many flags, banners and jerseys to the parade as possible.
She said: “The aim of this parade is to give one final tribute to the old Thomond Park, which has given us so much joy over the years.”
Shannon Development’s tourism promotion section will distribute 5,000 information booklets to visitors coming to the match.
Eoghan Prendergast of Shannon Development said: “Limerick has a lot to offer visitors and we want to ensure that the rugby fans get to see the city’s best attractions, get a map guide to Thomond Park and the best places to eat and socialise.”
Limerick has also lined up a programme of street entertainment before the big game, starting with a competition outside Penny’s at 11am where participants can test their skills at throwing a rugby ball through holes in a mural.
Entertainment will be provided along the route at Mayorstone by the Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band while the St John’s Brass Band will play outside the grounds.
Limerick has been decorated in a sea of red with 180 Munster flags lining the streets along with welcome signs at the city limits.
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