For some Munster Rugby fans, the silence will never be broken

Covid took Liam Ryan’s life at the age of 70 last April 9 and as his first anniversary nears next week, today’s clash with Toulouse offers a poignant reminder of not just the games that have been missed but the people who might have watched them in better times

It is more than 13 months since the turnstiles last revolved at Thomond Park, when a late Gavin Coombes try secured the bonus point in a 29-10 Guinness PRO14 win over Scarlets on February 29, 2020. Pic: Dan Sheridan

The Thomond Park stands will remain empty as another Munster red-letter day passes by without spectators this afternoon.

It is more than 13 months since the turnstiles last revolved at the Limerick stadium, when a late Gavin Coombes try secured the bonus point in a 29-10 Guinness PRO14 win over Scarlets on February 29, 2020, and supporters live in hope for a return as soon as Ireland’s Covid-19 vaccination programme eventually reaches them.