Plans to sell the naming rights of the historic rugby ground Thomond Park have sparked major opposition in Limerick where the city's mayor has appealed to the IRFU to reconsider its decision.
The IRFU and the Munster branch have confirmed that they are marketing the name of Thomond Park in an effort to raise the last €15 million needed to fund the stadium's redevelopment.
The project, which will see capacity increase to 26,000, has been widely welcomed by rugby fans across Limerick, who regard the hallowed ground as the spiritual home of Munster rugby.
However, plans to sell the naming rights have angered some supporters including Limerick's mayor, Cllr Joe Leddin.
"I would strongly appeal to the IRFU not to change the name of Thomond Park and I am very disappointed that they are even considering something which I see as totally retrograde and which the IRFU will regret in time," said Mr Leddin.
He said his office had been inundated with calls from rugby fans urging the IRFU not to change the name. Mr Leddin said the Munster branch of the IRFU would have ample opportunity to earn extra revenue from the increased capacity of the new stadium and the extra space for advertising hoardings.
Chairman of the Thomond Park development committee Pat Whelan said yesterday it would be unprofessional not to investigate the possibility of selling the naming rights. "The stark reality is that we will be €15 million short and we are going to find it elsewhere if we can't generate this cash. I'm not saying we are going to go down that road because there are a lot of areas which we have to look at before we make any decisions," said Mr Whelan.
He said the committee would review the situation.