Swansong finale for departing Munster stalwarts

This Friday evening, at what is sure to be packed Thomond Park, the province and it’s fans will be honoured as the team receives the Magners League trophy and the title of league champions and a special award will be made to the Munster supporters who have shown to be the best throughout the league. 

For many reasons it will be a game where several players will cease to wear the red of Munster,

as longest serving players, Anthony Horgan and Frank Sheahan, will sign off on their playing careers with the new champions. Also making their final appearance will be, Mike Prendergast, Kieran Lewis, Federico Pucciariello, John O’Sullivan and Michael Essex.

To the game itself, Paul O’Connell will lead Munster in the final battle of the season in their Magners League clash with Ospreys.

The squad includes four of O’Connell’s Lions colleagues, Ronan O’Gara, Keith Earls, Donncha O’Callaghan and David Wallace, all of whom are due to depart for London on Monday to join up with the Lions touring party.

When the game ends on Friday night Munster will be presented with 2008/09 Magners League Trophy.

Munster Squad: D Howlett; B Murphy; K Earls; I Dowling; L Mafi; K Lewis; A Horgan; P Warwick; R O’Gara; P Stringer; M Prendergast; F Pucciariello; Dave Ryan; D Fogarty; M Essex; F Sheahan; T Buckley; M O’Driscoll; J O’Sullivan; D O’Callaghan; P O’Connell; Donnacha Ryan; D Wallace; N Ronan; D Leamy.