Farewell To Lansdowne Road As Demolition Begins

It was a historic and poignant day in Dublin 4 today as the demolition of the old Lansdowne Road stadium got underway in earnest. See below for more.

It has been talked about for a long time and it has generated many column inches but the day has finally arrived when the demolition of Lansdowne Road begins in earnest.

For many rugby fans it will be a day tinged with sadness as the old lady of Lansdowne Road makes her final bow, but also a day long hoped for everyone looks forward to seeing the new stadium rise from the rubble.

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne, Minister For Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’Donoghue, T.D., and FAI Chief Executive John Delaney were present at Lansdowne Road today to witness the start of the demolition process.

It began with the South Terrace, following weeks of internal works to remove fixtures and fittings. The diggers moved in and the terraces crumbled.

Philip Browne commented: “This is another milestone in the long history of Lansdowne Road. After the various delays, we are delighted to see this project get underway in earnest and I know that Irish rugby supporters will be proud of their new stadium when it is complete.”

For information on the new Lansdowne Road stadium – click here.

IrishRugby.ie’s Lansdowne Road memories – click here.