The official opening of Thomond Park

The event I have chosen to write about took place on November 2008 in Thomond Park. It was the official opening of Thomond Park where Munster took on the New Zealand All Blacks. The reason I choose this event is because I have a huge interest in Rugby and all Sport. I received tickets for this match from a friend who wanted someone to go with.

As you can see this stadium is more than just a

battle field for the "red army", it also lights up the skyline of Limerick city and makes it look astonishing. The stadium is nicknamed "The Clam" due to its unique shape both inside and

out.

On the 8/11/2008 I witnessed an historic event for two reasons, It was the official opening of Thomond park but also in 1978 the Munster Rugby team were the first team to defeat New Zealand and Munster were trying to repeat history 2008. Several action's took place on this historic evening such as the amazing opening ceremony that delivered the match ball with the use of two soldiers entering the stadium via Helicopter and sliding down a rope with the ball and Munster returning the haka to "The All Blacks". They did this with the aid of the four New Zealander's who are an integral part of of the Munster Rugby squad and to show respect to the "All Blacks" and to provide entertainment for the sell out crowd in Thomond Park and the thousands watching on television.

Overall the match and the event as a whole most certainly lived up to its expectations. Although Munster lost 18-6 it didn't matter. People had attended for the amazing stadium and to see the outstanding New Zealand rugby team preform against our local hero's.

Building this stadium was a major project at the time because Munster were in a hugely successful era because they won the Heineken Cup in May 2006 and May 2008, they also won two Celtic League's and two Magner's League's. They accomplished these achievements with players such as Paul O' Connell, Ronan O' Gara and several others players who are on both the Munster and Irish rugby teams.

This was my first rugby match and my first time entering Thomond Park and it definitely is one not to forget. Thomond Park is an honour and tribute to Munster rugby.

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Allyn Dalton (11125179)