O’Connell’s early Christmas gift for rivals
The former Lions skipper ended an eight months injury lay-off in a Friday night All-Ireland League game which attracted a bumper crowd to the clash with theirLimerick rivals at Thomond Park.
But under AIL regulations, the host club is entitled the gate meaning an expected €25,000 plus pay day for Shannon.
Adding insult to injury Young Munster also lost the tie 18-17.
Shannon spokesman Andrew McNamara was unable to confirm the club’s taking, but reported they were ‘very happy’ with the take.
He said: “Reports of a crowd of 4,000 may be slightly exaggerated.
“I would have said the figure was between 2,500 and 3,000, including kids and students.
The cost on the gates was €10 for adults, €5 for students and old age pensioners while children were free.
“We don’t have the figures yet but we were very happy.
The return of O’Connell was a massive publicity coup for the League but McNamara also believes that club rugby fans are turned on by Friday night lights.
“We would always expect a big crowd for Shannon and Young Munster.
“The return of Paul O’Connell was a huge attraction for many neutrals but the fact it was on a Friday night was also another factor.
“We are finding there is huge interest in the games under lights on a Friday night rather than the traditional Saturday afternoon.”
And McNamara insists that the AIL is enjoying a resurgence thanks to the efforts of provincial chiefs.
“The Munster management are good at using the AIL to bring players back from injuries or players who are not getting enough game time.
“For example we had Jerry Flannery playing for us against Garryowen a few weeks ago which again highlights the importance the club can play for the more high profile players who are trying to get back in the groove.
“But there has been a tide change. We have now started to notice that Leinster are doing likewise and if you look at the table you will see that Leinster teams are doing better in the AIL this season.
“The standards of the games are increasing.”
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