Thomond Park Unplayable Until October

Following the vandalism of Thomond Park on September 14, which severely damaged the pitch, it has been determined that the surface will remain unplayable until October 22.

The vandalised Thomond Park pitch

Following the vandalism of Thomond Park on September 14, which severely damaged the pitch, it has been determined that the surface will remain unplayable until October 22.

All scheduled games for the Limerick venue during this period – including tomorrow’s Under-19 and Under-21 Inter-provincials involving Munster and Leinster, and tomorrow week’s Celtic League clash between Munster and Llanelli – are to be moved to alternative venues.

The Munster v Llanelli has already been re-fixed for Musgrave Park on September 23.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Munster Branch this afternoon expressed their total disbelief and condemnation of the random act of vandalism and said they would ensure that the Thomond Park pitch was reopened as soon as possible.

Gardai last night launched an official investigation into the vandalism incident which saw over 100 holes dug up on the Thomond Park surface.

The vandalism was discovered at around 6.30pm as officials arrived for the launch of the ODM Munster Senior Challenge Cup. Local Gardai are understood to be examining CCTV footage of two people wearing hooded tops on the pitch at that time.