Thousands set to descend for Pig n Porter

More than 4,000 people are expected in Limerick this weekend for the city’s Pig ‘n’ Porter festival with a record 110 teams from across the country have registered for Ireland’s largest Tag Rugby Event. Organisers are astounded by the level of interest in this year’s festival with the majority of teams registered coming from outside the Mid West providing a great boost to the local hospitality sector.

As well as tag rugby players, hundreds of local people are expected to attend the festivities around the event being hosted by Old Crescent RFC in association with the Irish Tag Rugby Association (ITRA).

The festival runs from Friday, July 17th through to Sunday, July 19th and kicks off with a welcome party in Peter Clohessy’s Bar, Howley’s Quay this Friday night.

“We are delighted with the huge interest in this year’s event and we have people coming from all over the country to Limerick,” said organiser, Paidi O’Connor. “We’re confident that the three day 2009 Pig ‘n’ Porter will be the best yet. It’s always a great weekend and non Tag Rugby players are welcome to attend on the day tickets will be available on the gate for 15 euro.”

Pat Daly, Tourism & Marketing Division Manager with Shannon Development said he is delighted to support the Pit & Porter Tag Rugby Festival.

“Sporting festivals like the Pig & Porter Festival provide a welcome boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors in Limerick including accommodation providers, bars, restaurants and visitor attractions,” he said.

“We are delighted to support the Pig & Porter Tag Rugby Festival organised by Old Crescent RFC. The development of sports tourism is an integral part of Shannon Development’s tourism strategy and events such as the Pig & Porter Tag Rugby Festival enable us to showcase the proud sporting tradition of Limerick to a wide audience.  Sporting festivals like the Pig & Porter Festival provide a welcome boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors including accommodation providers, bars, restaurants and visitor attractions”.

The 2009 Pig ‘n’ Porter has been extended into a three day event where  The Brothers of Charity, Bawnmore, will be this years benefitting charity. There will also be special guests attending on the opening night helping to build the spirit of rugby in Limerick, the rugby capital of Ireland. Saturday sees the main event get underway contested by 120 teams from the UK/Ireland and Sunday is the new addition of Super Tag. Live music, a bouncy castle, rodeo bull and a disco will all feature throughout the weekend.