Thomond ready for the next roar

THE Limerick skyline has been changing over the last 20 months.

The sweeping arches of the iconic new stands at the redeveloped Thomond Park lean impressively over Ireland’s proudest rugby city. Tonight, the gates open to Munster’s very own theatre of dreams and, for that matter, theatre of screams as Munster take on Ulster in an Under-20 Interprovincial.

Over two years ago, at the unveiling of the design of Munster Rugby’s crown jewel, Hugh Murray of Murray O Laoire architects said that the two new stands would enhance the legendary intensity of the Munster experience. On first impressions, his team of experts appear to have got the measurements just right.

It was never their intention nor that of the English-based AFL design team to sanitise the Thomond experience, and one can only visualise right now the noise the new 26,000 capacity stadium will generate when Munster run out against Glasgow tomorrow week, and then six days later against Montauban.

There are elements of Biarritz’s and Bolton Wanderers’ Reebok Stadium in the new Thomond, but setting out to replicate those stadia was never on the agenda. Despite all talk of a new structure, the best of the old Thomond remains.

The terracing remains, as do the four giant cornered floodlights and, even those in the 15,000 new seats will not feel they are up in the Heavens but very much part of the action.

It is hoped Thomond retains its fortress-like quality. The trusses that sweep across both stands shine like tiaras, onto a ground where in the past Munster have carved out a series of heroic victories. The Gloucester (2003) and Sale (2006) ‘Miracle Matches’ will forever be etched in Munster folklore but when Montauban, the All Blacks, Clermont Auvergne and Sale visit for the ‘biggies’ this season, it’s likely they’ll find Thomond hasn’t changed at all.

As Munster hooker Jerry Flannery pointed out, the structure may change but the fans stay the same. “I think it’s the supporters that make Thomond Park. I don’t think it’s the actual structure of the ground.

“I’m hopeful and pretty confident the atmosphere will be retained.”

But the new Thomond, is, without argument an impressive structure, delivered on time and within budget, a rare Irish phenomenon when one considers the many construction projects that have been built way above the original cost. The new Thomond was built inside 20 months for €40 million, and what a journey it has been for Thomond Park Development Committee, headed by former Munster hooker, and IRFU committee member, Pat Whelan.

Remember the hard bargaining that had to be done by the IRFU to buy out 13 privately owned terraced houses at Knockalisheen Road? Remember the furore caused last summer when it was announced that Thomond’s naming rights were up for sale? Remember Munster Branch officials were thinking of moving the whole operation to a green-field site near Limerick racecourse? What a disaster that would have been: Thomond is a figure-point for Limerick people.

The main project contract was awarded to PJ Hegarty and yesterday his crew were applying the finishing touches at a frenzied pace. Michelle Payne, wife of Shaun, is Business Development Manager and already has taken bookings for weddings, Christmas parties and business conferences. The main 500 capacity conference room in the East Stand was ready last evening to host its first official event — a BDO Simpson Xavier wealth management conference. Around them the hospitality area includes lounges and suites as well as 20 corporate boxes. Despite the downturn in the economy, most of them have been snapped up.

And as Limerick enjoys an Indian summer, the field looked in top shape and was being cut and lined for tonight’s under-20 Inter Provincial between Munster and Ulster. One can only imagine what a special occasion it must be for these budding professional players as they become the first teams to experience the new Thomond.

The final few bucket seats were also being installed while work continued on the impressive new reception area in the East Stand. The spacious dressing rooms and press facilities are also being readied. The Munster Rugby Interactive museum, the Munster Walk and Munster Rugby Store will also be central components of the new Thomond Park.

The person in charge of Thomond’s day-to-day operations is John Cantwell, the stadium’s director. Born in Kilkenny, the self-confessed Munster supporter, describes his job as a fantastic and exciting challenge. As well as the stadium hosting rugby games, Cantwell envisages rock concerts and other sporting events.

“We’re at the last hurdle now, but every day I come to work the sight of the new stadium never ceases to amaze. It inspires and amazes me in how fantastic it looks and I just can’t wait until all the spectators, the team and supporters are here to witness and experience the stadium. I’m sure it’s going to be absolutely awesome when it’s full and Munster are on the pitch — that day can’t come soon enough really.

“Munster people bring passion to every match and they’re renowned across Europe for that.

“Wherever you are in this stadium, you’re part of the game, part of the occasion.”