BUILT inside 20 months for €40 million, the new 26,000 capacity Thomond Park will be packed to capacity for its official unveiling at Saturday’s Magners League tie between Munster and Glasgow Warriors (7.30pm).

Although the venue hosted an U20 inter-provincial tie at the weekend, this will be the first occasion that the 15,000 seats will be occupied – only the terraces were open on Friday night last.  It is hoped that the famed venue will retain its fortress-like quality, which certainly appears to be the case. The terracing remains, as do four giant cornered floodlights and event those in the new seats will be close to the action.

“I’m hopeful and pretty confident the atmosphere of the place will be retained,” commented Munster hooker Jerry Flannery.

Unquestionably, the new venue is strikingly impressive, delivered on time and within budget, which owes much to its Development Committee headed-up by IRFU committee member Pat Whelan.  The main project contract was awarded to PJ Hegarty, while the design was the responsibility for Murray O’Laoire Architects.

The Munster Rugby Interactive Museum, the Munster Walk and Munster Rugby Store will also be central components of the new Thomond Park, as will the administrative offices of the Munster Branch. Kilkenny-native John Cantwell, a self-confessed Munster supporter, is the stadium’s new director.  “I just can’t wait until all the spectators, the team and supporters are here to witness and experience the stadium,” he said.

Saturday’s fixture will be broadcast live on Setanta Sports, with local radio coverage on Limerick’s Live 95FM.

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