MUNSTER’S 24-17 URC win over Lions at Thomond Park was massive. It was precious in that it secured a quarter-final competition berth – albeit away to the Bulls in Pretoria, South Africa, the weekend after next – but more so qualification for the lucrative Champions Cup next season.
Such information was not lost on Craig Casey, first-time captain in Limerick of a side reduced to just 13 players for a period.
He stated: “It means an awful lot to us. It’s been a turbulent enough season, but we’ve stayed strong as a group. I think the love of the club shone through today. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs through the week, a few people going out through injury and a few young fellas stepping in.”
“We have been through a tough time. This is massive for us. Champions Cup rugby is paramount for this club. Damn it feels good.”
The efforts of the players on Saturday last were hugely evident. Their status was at risk, but their supporters, even reduced in numbers, provided enough vocal backing to get the job done.
This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of Munster’s Heineken European Cup Final win over Biarritz, in front of an attendance of around 75,000, at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
The late Anthony Foley led us to the promised land back in 2006, while the team was under the guidance of Declan Kidney.
Munster: Shane Payne, Anthony Horgan, John Kelly, Trevor Halstead, Ian Dowling, Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer, Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Donnacha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Denis Leamy, David Wallace, Anthony Foley, captain.
Replacements used: Federico Pucciariello, Alan Quinlan, Mick O’Driscoll.
Meanwhile, the Munster Summer Camps, for boys/girls aged 6 to 12, will return from August 4-7, and the local venues include Garryowen, Old Crescent, and University of Limerick.