Members of the Munster team which beat the All-Blacks at Thomond Park in 1978 were reunited for a 30th anniversary celebration in Limerick today.
The celebration at Istabraq Hall in Limerick's City Hall coincided with the arrival of the All-Blacks in Limerick for tonight's match against Munster to mark the official reopening of the redeveloped Thomond Park.
All but one of the 15 who played in the match which Munster won 12-0 attended and they were presented with crystal rugby balls. The President of the New Zealand Rugby Union Andy Leslie was also there, though All-Black legend Jonah Lomu was too ill to put in an appearance.
The Mayor of Limerick Cllr John Gilligan said the date of the 1978 match was auspicious as it was October 31st – bonfire night. "Some people's dreams went up in smoke on the bonfire that night," he quipped.
Mr Gilligan also said it was a pity that Elton John could not provide the music for the Haka tonight – the singer is due to play Thomond Park in June.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen will fly into Shannon Airport this evening to perform the official opening ceremony with IRFU president John Lyons prior to the game. U2's Bono, dancer Michael Flatley and golfer Padraig Harrington will be among the 26,000 capacity crowd.
Members of Shane Geoghegan, the Garryowen captain who was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity last week in a gangland-style shooting, will also be there, and a minute's silence will be observed before the start of the game.
Speaking tonight at the opening, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said Thomond Park had “a special place in the psyche of all Irish sports fans”.
“As a venue, down through the years, it has been for so many people a real theatre of dreams. This famous stadium has been the venue for some great Irish sporting triumphs and many of the world’s finest rugby footballers have played on its hallowed turf – a tradition we are all privileged to witness continuing here today,” he said.
“Limerick is by tradition a great rugby stronghold. One of this city’s most famous sons, Richard Harris, captured this well when he said ‘rugby is life in Limerick. The heroes of Limerick rugby are my heroes. Gladiators, square-jawed warriors who represent us on the battlefield.’”
Mr Cowen commented on the “tragic” death of young Garryowen player Shane Geoghegan, murdered earlier this month and said “everything possible” was being done to bring those responsible to justice.
“Sport, at every level, is an integral part of Irish life. It plays a hugely important role in fostering a sense of achievement, a sense of place and a sense of social participation. And those decent values are intrinsic not just to rugby but to life in this city.”
Mr Cowen said the “outpouring” of grief at Mr Geoghegan’s death demonstrated “just how united the community is in Limerick”.