Packing up and leaving one city, and life, to start afresh in another.
Almost as soon as Munster Rugby stepped into the professional world, there was talk about a choice to be made. Limerick or Cork – where would Munster settle?
21 years on and the choice was made – the University of Limerick is now the headquarters for Munster and trips to Cork will be far less frequent.
At this morning’s Guinness PRO12 launch at the Aviva Stadium, Munster’s Billy Holland spoke about the province’s permanent home and the massive commitment undertaken by several of his teammates. The Cork native said:
“Our first week, all together, will be next week but we have been in U.L for most of preseason.
“It is really good because not only do you get more face-time and time on the pitch with coaches, there are other elements. Like, Dave Foley had a few of the Cork lads over for a barbecue last week. I’ve known Dave for years and this was the first time I was ever in his house. Things like that are really important for squad morale and for guys to get to know each other.
“People used the whole Cork/Limerick split as an excuse, over the years, but it can’t be an excuse as we won two European Cups during that time, with that set-up. But, as the game has progressed and became more professional, it is more important for us to spend more time together.
“It was a huge commitment. 12 lads moved from Cork to Limerick with their families. Young fellas and old fellas like Tomás O’Leary, who has moved his wife and child up. There are a few guys that have remained in Cork – they have kids and wife’s with work commitments – but they stay over [in Limerick] a few nights of the week.”
Munster Rugby finally has a home. That’s one excuse put to bed and a heap of money saved in the process.
On the latest GAA Hour we look back at Mayo-Tipperary and chat to Andy Moran about his incredible, never-ending career. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
