by Paul Gallagher
Many Munster fans hoping to see their side take on French opponents Biarritz in the European Cup quarter-final this Sunday were faced with disappointment, due to the limited number of approximately 1000 tickets on public sale this morning.
Pat Geraghty, spokeperson for the Munster club confirmed: "A crowd of up to 5000 fans gathered at Munster’s home ground, Thomond Park in Limerick from 4am this morning, while another group of fans gathered in Cork from 3am in the hope of obtaining a ticket."
Geraghty went on to confirm that the original capacity of 12,000 has been increased to 13,300 for the Biarritz game. "Even with the increased capacity, after allocating 25% of the tickets to the visiting side, 500 given to school children, and approximately 6000 tickets already distributed through the Munster clubs, most of the tickets are already spoken for," said Geraghty.
Moreover, fans were further disappointed by the lack of IRFU and Munster Branch Officials present at Thomond Park to explain to them where they may obtain tickets elsewhere.
The increased demand will have been fuelled by the poor away record Biarritz have displayed in the tournament, and the air of optimism currently with the home side. Ireland and Munster prop Peter Clohessy reflected on the forthcoming encounter:
"The whole team are playing well and we cannot wait to get back to Thomond Park. Every game seems to be giving me a new lease of life at the moment."