Extra flights for Red army

RYANAIR have announced a series of flights ahead of Munster’s Heineken Cup semi-final against Biarritz on May 2, (Estadio Anoeta, San Sebastian, 3.15pm, Irish time).

The airline are offering a service from Dublin on the eve of the match with a return flight on Monday, May 3 back to the capital.

However, fans in the southern province can avail of day return flights to Biarritz from Cork and Shannon.

Ryanair spokesman Daniel de Carvalho last night said the airline: “is delighted to support the Munster team with these extra day return flights to make sure they power through this round and reach the final.

“On Saturday, May 1 we are adding one extra flight between Dublin and Biarritz with return on May 3, and on Sunday May 2 we are adding day return flights to Biarritz from Cork and Shannon to ensure supporters can make it to the match on time and return home on the same day.”

At 5pm yesterday the Cork/Biarritz return and it’s Shannon equivalent cost €299.98 while the service from Dublin was €299.25.

Biarritz airport is 50km from the match venue with taxi, coach and train links between the two cities.

Champions Leinster are also in Heineken Cup action, away to Toulouse, the same weekend and it remains to be seen if the budget airline will consider putting on extra flights for fans of Michael Cheika’s side who are in action on Saturday, May 1.

Munster Rugby Supporters club vice chairman Ian Buckley reported mixed reaction to the announcement last night. “Personally I think it makes perfect sense, especially as Ryanair had a service from Shannon to Biarritz until a few months ago. Most fans are over the moon about it as it makes things a little easier. But there are a few on the websites, a few people were complaining that they thought it was a bit pricey.

“Anything that makes things easier for supporters should be welcomed. We (the supporters club) have a meeting this week and we will discuss other ways we can help people who are thinking about travelling out.”

nFrom Dublin: Departure on Saturday May 1, 3.30pm arriving in Biarritz at 6.25pm. Return flight from Biarritz on Monday, May 3 at 9.25pm arriving in Dublin at 10.30pm.From Cork: Departure on Sunday, May 2, 8.10am arriving in Biarritz at 11.15am. Return flight from Biarritz at 10.05pm arriving in Cork at 11.15pm.From Shannon: Departure on Sunday, May 2, 8.30am arriving in Biarritz at 11.45am. Return flight from Biarritz that evening at 10pm arriving in Shannon at 11.15pm.