Munster fan Reals is one in a million

A MUNSTER fan will become the 1,000,000th visitor to go to a Magners League game this season when Munster take on Leinster in the Grand Final at Thomond Park next week.

Limerick’s Paul Reals became the landmark fan after he bought his ticket for the final and he’ll be rewarded with a hospitality ticket package and a visit to the centre of the field at half-time to receive a Magners League goody-bag from Celtic Rugby chairman Andy Irvine.

“It was a huge thrill to be told I was the 1,000,000th fan to buy a ticket to a Magners League match this season and the prospect of going onto the hallowed turf at half-time is awesome,” said Reals.

“I was born at St Munchin’s Regional Maternity Hospital not far from the ground, and my Dad owned one of the houses that were bought to build the new Thomond Park. Munster rugby is in the blood and I’ve been a season ticket holder for the past three years – with next season’s ticket already bought.

“I haven’t missed a home match this season and the Magners League Grand Final is going to be an extra special occasion. I was at the game when we were presented with the Celtic Cup in 2003 and then the Magners League title in 2009.

“Now I’m hoping for an Irish double to end the season – Leinster to win in Cardiff this weekend and then Munster to stop them doing the double by beating them in Limerick in the Magners League Grand Final.

“The gloves always come off when Munster play Leinster and this is going to be one of the biggest games between the two teams for a few years. It is going to be a great occasion and I’m just pleased I got a ticket to go.”

Leinster have taken 6,000 tickets for their fans and the signs are that the other 20,000 will all be snapped up by Munster fans by the beginning of next week.