Sean Kelly Backs Munster To Win In Croke Park
Sean Kelly Backs Munster to Win At Croke Park

Monday April 27th: Sean Kelly has today issued a message of support to the Munster Rugby team and their fans ahead of next Saturdays Heineken Cup semi-final in Croke Park. Kelly was President of the GAA when congress agreed to change Rule 42 and allow Rugby and soccer to be played in Croke Park, a move that has been credited with contributing close to €1 billion to the Irish economy, as well as ensuring Irish teams and their fans did not have to travel abroad for games.
Kelly said, “Next Saturday’s Heineken Cup semi-final may well been seen in future years as one of the most unique occasions in the history of Irish sport. Who would have thought a few years ago that a rugby game between Munster and Leinster would attract such attention and that it would be played in Croke Park before a capacity crowd of 82,500 fans with as many more clamouring to get in, Yes indeed that’s what’s going to happen. It never happened before and it may never happen again as with the new Aviva Stadium at Lansdowne Road re-opening next year, games such as next Saturdays clash of the Titans would probably be played there. This has all come about due to two factors one, the opening of Croke Park to rugby and soccer and, two, to the remarkable success of the Heineken Cup itself. The growth of this competition is best reflected in the growth in popularity of the Munster team. This team is a remarkable success story from every viewpoint, great players who are in touch with the people, modest and brave, successful and appreciative.”
He continued, “This is the golden era of Munster Rugby. I was lucky enough to attend their breakthrough victory in Cardiff three years ago and was equally luck to attend their recent demolition of the Ospreys in the splendid Thomond Park. The Munster team is something very special, which in this time of deep recession is giving an invaluable lift to the whole population of the province. And of course, what Munster is doing for our province Leinster are also doing for theirs. This great battle is going to be talked about for many years to come. The year of the grand slam, the 14 Lions and the, Tomás although unlucky is worthy of the title Lion, and the unique game between Munster and Leinster resonates with all sports people. When the English played Ireland in Croke Park the nation came to a silent and respectful halt especially for the playing of the national anthem. There will only be one anthem played in Croke Park next Saturday – Amhrán na bhFiann – as this is a truly an Irish occasion.
Finishing Kelly said “It will be the closest you could ever get to a ‘Gaelic’ rugby game in Croke Park. Two Irish teams, two partisan crowds and an electric atmosphere. And as in GAA matches, the fans will mingle before and after the match in the hotels around Croke Park. Hopefully, the game will match the occasion as I am sure it will. It could all come down to a last minute try by superman O’Connell or a penalty kick by the legendary O’Gara or a drop goal Gaelic style from the talented Paul Warwick. Wouldn’t that be a special drop goal, a point in Gaelic, to win the match for Munster by the galloping Warwick. Yes, a great game and a great occasion are in store and the memories will be savoured forever. 82,500 fans will be there but in years to come that number swell a hundred fold as people will say ‘I was in Croke Park for the greatest club occasion of all, the clash between Munster and Leinster in the Heineken Cup 2009’. As John Kenny of Kinascully might say “For God sake lads, enjoy yourselves” As if they needed to be told!”

Kelly will be travelling with his supporter to the game to support the Munster team and to meet and greet the Munster fans who travel to Dublin.

ENDS:

Issued on behalf of Sean Kelly, for further information please call David Mc Carthy on 086 662 0448.