Posts filed under 'Sports and Leisure'
In a year in which there are a number of lively veteran candidates for the John Smith’s Grand National, Oliver Sherwood’s Eric’s Charm comes into the race in fine form and could well give supporters a serious run for their money at a big price with Grand National 2010 betting, writes Elliot Slater.
The 12-year-old fairly bolted up in the three-and-three-quarter mile London National Chase at Sandown in December off a mark of 135 and has been allotted a racing weight for Aintree of 10st 9lbs, reflecting an 8lb rise in his mark. Essentially Eric’s Charm’s current figure suggests that the horse is remarkably running to a very similar level of form to five years ago when he was considered one of the up-and-coming young chasing stars.
A winner of 10 of his 34 career starts, Sherwood’s grand servant has a particular liking for Sandown, a track where he has won twice and only narrowly failed to win the Betfred Gold Cup (formerly the Whitbred Gold Cup) in 2006. In 2008 Eric’s Charm ran his one and only race thus far over the daunting Aintree fences and only got as far as the sixth when coming a cropper whilst racing in the leading group.
Hopefully that experience won’t have put the French bred gelding off the unique Liverpool course and being a generally sound jumper there are good reasons for believing that he can put in a very respectable performance. Although he appears to handle anything other than fast ground, it seems that with the passing of the years the veteran prefers to get his toe in, and should the ground ride on the soft side of good that can only be a positive indication to his chances.
When placing your bet on Aintree Grand National, consider that this is horse who handles the big occasion well, has been specifically trained for the race this year and is a relentless stayer, Eric’s Charm (a 100/1 chance) can roll back the years and finish with more behind than in front on April 10.
March 10th, 2010
Anyone shrewd enough to have selected Razor Royale at fancy prices for the 2010 Grand National prior to his gutsy success in the Racing Post Chase, will be on very good terms with themselves now after the gelding’s ante-post odds tumbled following his neck defeat of Nacarat in a thrilling race, writes Elliot Slater.
Trimmed to a best offer of 40/1 having generally been available for the Grand National at 66/1 before Kempton, Razor Royale adds further strength to the hand of trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, who could also be represented in the four-and-a-half mile marathon by Ballyfitz, Ollie Magern, Irish Raptor and Hello Bud.
A prior engagement in the William Hill Handicap Chase could possibly be the next stop on the trail for Twiston-Davies’ charge who put behind him a disappointing effort when made favourite at Sandown last time out when he could only finish seventh behind the grand veteran Monkerhostin.
Not only his Racing Post Chase success, but also his earlier effort this term when a fine second to the smart handicapper Poquelin in the Boylesports.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham, demonstrate that Razor Royale is quite capable of mixing it in top handicaps. Although yet to race beyond 25 furlongs, there appear few concerns on the part of connections that the eight-year-old will have any stamina problems at Aintree.
Further back in the Kempton field another possible Aintree contender Madison Du Berlais ran well for a while but appeared to be lit up a little too much by the first-time blinkers, whilst Kilcrea Castle, a market mover over the last few weeks of February, was rather disappointing in managing only eighth, having previously shaped well when third at Ascot on his first start for Emma Lavelle. He has now been pushed out to a top-priced 50/1 with Ladbrokes for the John Smith’s Grand National.
March 3rd, 2010
Saturday’s Grade 2 Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton will hopefully answer some serious questions about the wellbeing of three contenders for the championship crown at the Cheltenham 2010 next month, writes Elliot Slater.
Since he won the Champion Hurdle 11 months ago I have been very sweet on the chances of Nicky Henderson’s Punjabi retaining the title. This season the Komaite gelding did nothing wrong on his debut when far from fully tuned up, shaping well until the run to the last flight when he blew up and faded into fourth behind the impressive Khyber Kim in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham. His subsequent defeat at the hands of another very good horse, Medermit, in a four-horse race on desperate ground at Haydock is best ignored.
Last year Punjabi came to the Kingwell and was a beaten favourite before going on to win the big one four weeks later. There is no doubt that Punjabi saves his best for Cheltenham and I would urge supporters not to give up faith.
Celestial Halo, who won the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton in November, was odds-on when subsequently beaten by Khyber Kim, and then could only finish fourth at Leopardstown last time in the Irish Champion Hurdle. He is still a very smart horse and Paul Nicholls will undoubtedly be hoping that the return to Wincanton brings out the best in his horse who lost by only a neck to Punjabi at Cheltenham last year.
With the fast improving Starluck, a short-head second to Go Native in Kempton’s Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle also in the line-up, the Kingwell Hurdle promises to answer plenty of questions about three serious championship contenders.
It is possible that Starluck might just come out best on the day, but I still believe that come the Cheltenham Festival Punjabi will be at his peak and prove hard to beat in the main event.
Another horse that may well be hard to beat is last year’s Champion. It is worth checking out Kauto star betting in the coming weeks as Paul Nicholls’ horse looks to make it three victories in four years in the Gold Cup.
February 22nd, 2010
The fashion stakes are set to be higher than ever, when legendary Irish milliner Philip Treacy, in conjunction with the Design Centre, will be on hand the Hennessy Gold Cup Best Dressed on Sunday 7th February 2010, when Ireland’s most glamorous ladies will demonstrate the ultimate in style and elegance in the hope of walking away with the grand prize of €4,000 for the Hennessy Gold Cup Best Dressed, in association with The Design Centre.
The sporting and social highlight of the racing calendar, The Hennessy Best Dressed recognises style in its truest form, distinguishing those with inherent elegance, originality and vibrancy. This year marks the 4th year of the hugely successful Hennessy Best Dressed, in association with the Design Centre and significantly marks the 20th running of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown Racecourse.
The winning lady will be presented with a €4,000 voucher from The Design Centre, in the Powerscourt Centre and one lucky runner-up will receive a voucher for €1,000 from the fashion house that boasts collections from established and up-and-coming Irish and international designers including, John Rocha, Preen, Ben De Lisi, Synan O‘Mahony and John McCormack.
Judging criteria for the Hennessy Best Dressed, in association with The Design Centre will include the appropriateness of outfits for daytime winter racing, as well as the consistency and harmony of style throughout the entire outfit. Headwear and outerwear (coat/fur/stole) will be mandatory on the day and, above all else, the demonstration of an appreciation of elegance, glamour and luxury will be of paramount importance in the judging process.
For the first time ever this year, and due to the popular demand, stylish ladies are invited to pre-register for the Hennessy Best Dressed in association with the Design Centre at www.hennessybestdressed.ie . Alternatively, registration will also take place on the day in the Tote Hall at the venue.
On the day, a shortlist of 20 stylish ladies will be selected to join judges Philip Treacy, Annmarie O’Connor, fashion blogger and stylist, Ashling Kilduff, The Design Centre and Caroline Sleiman of Hennessy to describe and discuss their respective outfits. A final decision will be made collectively by the judges whereby one winner and one runner-up are selected.
Richard Hennessy left his native Cork in 1765 to sail to France where he founded the world’s leading Cognac house. The number one Cognac in Ireland, Hennessy embraces the loves of Irish people and has always been a huge supporter of racing in this country - indeed the Hennessy Gold Cup is the longest standing race sponsorship at Leopardstown racecourse.
January 25th, 2010
Leinster will be hosting their annual ‘Ladies Night’ in aid of Action Breast Cancer (A.B.C.) at the Magners League encounter against the Scarlets in the RDS on Saturday, February 20th. In addition to a bucket collection around the ground, the Official Leinster Supporters Club (OLSC) will be printing a limited edition t-shirt which will go on sale on the night with proceeds going to A.B.C. There will be live music, player appearances pre and post match, ‘Family Day’ activities with specially themed music all night inside the ground for all the ‘single’ and ‘not so single’ ladies. So why not pamper that special someone in your life this February 20th? With over 14,000 tickets sold, book your place today to avoid disappointment. Limited discount tickets are on sale now from www.leinsterrugby.ie (quote ‘LADIES 2010’ to avail of these discount tickets)
January 25th, 2010
Munster v Bristol Tickets
Tickets for Munster’s first home game of the British and Irish Cup are now on sale online. Munster take on Bristol on Friday 27th November in Nenagh RFC, ko7.30pm. Buy Tickets Here
Exclusive Online Offer
The Munster Junior Backpack is this week’s web only exclusive offer, the backpack was €15 and is now €10 online. A perfect Christmas gift for any of the younger Munster supporters! View Here
November 13th, 2009
Fingers Crossed
Munster front row problems will ease somewhat with the return to action in Croke Park on Sunday of John Hayes and Jerry Flannery but it will be a case of fingers crossed from a Munster management point of view over the next three weeks with 13 of their squad on international duty. Read More
New Videos on the Munster View
Keep up to date with the Munster A side and check out the match highlights from their recent Interpro wins against Leinster A and the Ulster Ravens. View Here
Munster Website Shortlisted for Award
The Munster Rugby website has been shortlisted for the 2009 Golden Spider Awards in the category for “Best Sports and Leisure Website”. Read More
Munster Win Bronze at Sports Events Awards
Munster Rugby were honoured with a major international sports event management award in London on Tuesday in recognition of the successful staging of the Munster v New Zealand game in Thomond Park Stadium in November last year. Read More
November 13th, 2009
French International Prop For Munster
Following on from the acquisition of Springboks centre Jean de Villiers, Munster today completed their squad for the coming season with the signing of French international prop Julien Brugnaut from Dax.
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Howlett’s Preparation Interrupted
Doug Howlett’s preparation for the coming season has been interrupted after he picked up a calf injury in training last week.
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Munster Players at Summer Camps
It’s the halfway stage of the 2009 Munster Rugby Summer Camps and the fun filled rugby activities are as popular as ever.
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August 11th, 2009
Lions Team For Final Test
The British and Irish Lions look to end on a high as they play their final test game against South Africa this Saturday in the Coca Cola Park, Johannesburg.
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Catching Up With Danny Barnes
We caught up with the first year academy player as he recently returned from the IRB Junior World Championships in Japan where he was a late addition to the Ireland U20s side.
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Munster Rugby Golf Classic 2009
The tenth annual Munster Rugby Golf Classic will take place on Monday August 31st next at the stunning Lee Valley Golf & Country Club in Co. Cork.
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Munster View - Exclusive Video
Munster Outtakes - It’s not all plain sailing on the Munster View and during the last year we captured one or two moments when things didn’t always go to plan. This video is brought to you by the students of LIT
View Here
August 4th, 2009
Season Starts on Monday
Just six weeks after they signed off on season 2008/2009 the first of the Munster squad assemble to begin preparations for season 2009/2010.
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O’Callaghan Misses Out
The Lions have made five changes for the second Test that includes Simon Shaw being brought in to partner Paul O’Connell and no place in the 22 for Donncha O’Callaghan.
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Level 1 Coaching Course
Find details of upcoming coaching courses here.
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Vacancy: Munster Rugby Assistant Performance Analyst
The Munster Branch Irish Rugby Football Union is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Performance Analyst to the Munster Rugby Performance Analysis Department.
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July 20th, 2009
Munster Team News
Denis Fogarty will have the company today of Tomas O’Leary and Jerry Flannery for the long haul flight to Denver Colorado where the Munster hooker will join the rest of the Ireland A squad to prepare for the Churchill Cup.
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09/10 Heineken Cup Pool Draw Next Week
The draw to decide the Pools for next season’s Heineken Cup takes place in the Auditorium, Stade de France, next Tuesday at 12 noon.
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Irish U20s to Face Argentina
Five Munster players have been named in the match 22 for Ireland’s opening game against Argentina in the IRB Junior World Championships in Japan. We talk to Captain Peter O’Mahony on the Munster View.
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South Africa Calling for Castletroy College
The Castletroy College Senior Squad will be making the trip to the Southern Hemisphere this Saturday as they embark on a three week tour of South Africa.
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June 5th, 2009
O’Driscoll Leads Munster in Cardiff
In the absence of Paul O’Connell who was named in the squad earlier in the week, Munster will be led by Mick O’Driscoll for their final away game of the season, Sundays (4.35pm) Magners League clash with Cardiff Blues in the Arms Park.
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Munster Welcome New Competition
Twelve teams from the English Championship, six from the Welsh Principality Premiership, three Scotland sides along with Munster, Leinster and Ulster will compete for the inaugural trophy.
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Quinlan Hearing Next Wednesday
Alan Quinlan, the Munster back row forward, will appear before an independent Disciplinary Committee in Dublin on Wednesday next, 13 May, 2009, as a result of a citing arising from the Heineken Cup semi-final match against Leinster at Croke Park last weekend.
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Grand Slam Glory DVD Giveaway
Munster Rugby are offering you the chance to win a copy of the commemorative triple DVD Disc set to celebrate Ireland’s historic RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam win.
More Details
May 22nd, 2009
Players On The Mend
Although all eyes will be on Croke Park tomorrow for the RBS Six Nations Ireland England game, Munster management will already have their focus firmly fixed on the Magners League trip to Newport tomorrow week.
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Munster Refutes Club’s Ticket Claims
The Munster Branch has refuted claims by Limerick clubs that it has allocated quarter final tickets to corporate clients and sponsors at the expense of grass root supporters.
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National Representation
There is a full line up of action taking place this evening ahead of Ireland’s 6 Nations game against England tomorrow as players from around Munster gain National honours in their respective competitions.
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Win a chance to visit a Munster Squad training session
Win the chance for you and a friend to attend a Munster Squad training session.Draw to be held on Tuesday 3rd March.
Enter Here
March 19th, 2009
One Change for Munster
The Munster side for tomorrow’s Heineken Cup return clash with ASM Clermont Auvergne, shows just one change from the side that started in the game in Clermont last Sunday.
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Video: Focus on Saturday
On the Munster View - Tony McGahan, Shaun Payne, Paul O’Connell and Marcus Horan talk about the task at hand, securing the win against Clermont Auvergne in Thomond Park this Saturday. This video is brought to you by the students of LIT.
View Here
Munster Rugby Academy Goes Hi-Tech
Munster Rugby Academy has announced the continuation of its educational sponsorship deal with BDO Simpson Xavier that provides all academy players with their own individual laptops.
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Win 2 tickets to Munster V Sale Sharks
Chance to win 2 Tickets to the Heineken Cup pool match Munster V Sale Sharks in Thomond Park, in mid January. Draw to be held on Tuesday 23rd December.
Enter Here
December 15th, 2008
Captain & Coach Looking Forward to Thomond Park Game
Speaking at the Media Briefing yesterday in Limerick’s Castletroy Park Hotel, Ireland coach Declan Kidney described taking charge of his first Ireland Test match at the New Thomond Park on Saturday week as a “huge honour”.
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Video: Irish Camp in Limerick
On the Munster View - we here from Irish Coach Declan Kidney, Ronan O’ Gara, Paul O’ Connell and Brian O’ Driscoll as they discuss the new Irish set up, and playing in Thomond Park next week.
View Here
Reward Your Volunteers
Munster Rugby is pleased to announce the launch of the Right Price Tiles Volunteer Recognition Programme for the 2008-09 season. Find out how to nominate your Club volunteers.
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Win a pair of tickets to Munster v New Zealand
Here is another chance to win tickets to the most sought after game of the year. A pair of tickets to see Munster v New Zealand in Thomond Park. Logon to MyMunster.com and click on Play to Win to enter. Draw held on 11th November.
Enter Here
November 3rd, 2008
O’Driscoll Leads Munster in Ravenhill
Mick O’Driscoll will lead Munster on Saturday evening when the league leaders resume their Magners League campaign in Ravenhill.
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Video: Thoughts on Ulster Clash and Squad Update
On the Munster View - Manager Shaun Payne on returning to Magners League action, and player updates. Denis Fogarty on starting against Ulster.
This video is brought to you by the students of LIT.
View Here
Munster Women in action in Belfast also
It’s not all about the Senior men’s side this weekend as the Munster Women’s team travel to Belfast also, to take on Leinster in the Inter-Provincial Final. With both matches taking place on Saturday it is an ideal opportunity for any travelling Munster Supporters to show their support for both Munster Teams.
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Win a pair of tickets to Munster v New Zealand
Here is another chance to win tickets to the most sought after game of the year. The next Play To Win prize is a pair of tickets to see Munster v New Zealand in Thomond Park. Logon to MyMunster.com and click on Play to Win to enter. Draw held on 28th October.
Enter Here
October 28th, 2008
Dowling In Tipoki Out
Ian Dowling has recovered from the knock he sustained last weekend against Montauban and is included in the Munster side for Sunday’s clash with Sale Sharks but Rua Tipoki failed a fitness test this morning and is ruled out.
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Quinlan Puts It In Perspective
Alan Quinlan refuses to spend too much time looking back at last week’s game against Mointauban, preferring instead to focus on what he calls ‘the enormous task’ we face on Sunday in Sale.
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Domestic Rugby Spotlight
Munster Youth Development Officers have been working to develop the game in Kerry, with the newest target group being the Girls and Women of the Kingdom
Read more
October 20th, 2008
A Narrow Win For Munster
A try from out-half Conan Doyle converted by Tadhg Bennett gave Munster A a 7-6 win over Ulster A in Musgrave Park on Wednesday afternoon.
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Munster Youths Face Leinster Challenge
Munster Youths Head Coach John O’Sullivan has named his team to face Leinster in their interprovincial clash in Bruff on Saturday.
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Eight Weekend Ties in ODM Munster Senior Challenge Cup
The Second Round of this season’s ODM Munster Senior Cup takes place over the weekend with sixteen teams looking to get their hands on the famous trophy.
Read More
Win 2 Tickets to Munster v New Zealand XV
Wondering how you can get your hands on the most sought after tickets this year? The next Play To Win prize is 2 tickets to see Munster V All Blacks in Thomond Park. Log on to MyMunster.com and click on Play to Win to enter.
Enter Here
September 18th, 2008
Howlett At Full Back For Munster
Although he retains most of the side that were involved in the 46-22 win over the US Eagles less than a week ago in Hartford, Munster coach Tony McGahan has gone for Doug Howlett to start at full-back in tomorrow’s night’s game against London Irish at Musgrave Park (7.30pm).
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Irish Name Strong Starting XV
Bob Casey captains a London Irish side that includes 14 of the 22 that played against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup semi-final for tomorrow’s Jack Wakefield Memorial Trophy clash with Munster at Musgrave Park.
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Meteor Munster Rugby Sevens Schedule
Looking for something to do this Saturday?
Head for Garryowen F.C. where you will be guaranteed a great day out for all. Check out Munster’s premier Sevens action with Senior, Junior and Women’s sides taking part in the event.
View Fixtures Here
September 3rd, 2008
O’Driscoll Leads Munster
Mick O’Driscoll will captain Munster in the opening game of the season, against the USA Eagles, in Rentschler Field this Saturday, ko 3pm(EDT).
The fixture will be televised live on Setanta Ireland at 8pm.
Read More
In Pics: Munster On Tour
The squad carried out their training session in Harvard University yesterday afternoon, and spent the evening at a reception hosted by the Boston College Club.
Check out the pictures from yesterday’s events.
View Here
Thomond Park Magners League Season Ticket
Munster Rugby are offering a fantastic 5 match package to include the biggest Magners League games of the season - Glasgow Warriors, Ulster, Leinster, Connacht and Ospreys - all from €105.
Be part of the Thomond Park experience!
Buy Now
August 22nd, 2008
Full Strength Munster For Boston
Munster coach Tony McGahan will take a full player complement with him for the season’s opener against the US Eagles in Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday August 23rd.
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Kidney and Ireland Up n Running
New Ireland coach Declan Kidney’s first media conference attracted a large crowd to Jury’s Hotel on Cork’s Western Road where he stressed the importance of the upcoming autumn Internationals.
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Munster Rugby Academy in Spala
This week sees the Munster Rugby Academy step it up in the Polish High Performance Centre in Spala.
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Player Sponsorship 08/09
Open your business up to a whole new audience! Check out the new Munster Rugby Player Sponsorship Programme for the 08/09 Season.
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August 13th, 2008
Exclusive Video
Ronan O’Gara, Doug Howlett, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell and Denis Hurley talk about the season ahead.
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AIB All Ireland League Fixtures 08/09
The fixtures for the new season have been announced with all the action kicking off on Saturday the 4th of October.
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Munster Women’s Squad Selected
The selection process is complete and the 08/09 Munster Rugby Women’s Squad has been selected for the upcoming Interprovincial Series.
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Players Move “Upstairs”
Three players who retired from the senior squad at the end of last season - Anthony Foley, Mossy Lawlor and John Kelly - will remain involved with Munster at various levels.
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2008 Meteor Munster Sevens Tournament
Munster Rugby officially launch the Meteor Munster Seven’s Cup, the second annual club sevens rugby tournament in the province. This year’s event will take place on Saturday 30th August at Garryowen F.C.
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August 5th, 2008
Heineken Cup 2008 / 2009 Fixtures
The fixtures, dates, kick-off times and host broadcasters for the first four Rounds of the Heineken Cup 2008 / 2009 tournament were announced earlier today by ERC.
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2008/9 Thomond Park Season Tickets Now on Sale
Munster fans are being advised that a limited number of Thomond Park season tickets have been put on public sale on www.munsterrugby.ie.
Read More
July 25th, 2008
McGahan In Place
Despite a gruelling long haul flight from Australia that eventually saw him, his wife and young family arrive at their Limerick home late afternoon Wednesday, new Munster coach Tony McGahan was at his desk in the Munster Rugby office at the University of Limerick, bright and early, yesterday morning.
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Interested in Refereeing?
The Munster Association of Referees is giving you the opportunity to give back to the sport. Rugby referees enjoy the same benefits of the game as the players, but without the injuries!
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MRSC Associate Membership 2008/2009
Membership Closes on Sunday! Have you joined the Munster Rugby Supporters Club yet?
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July 8th, 2008
Good End To Busy Week
A week that began with Munster finding out who they’d play in the Pool stages of next season’s Heineken Cup ended with the announcement that Tony McGahan will be the person who will lead them into that campaign.
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Thomond Park Update
The June instalment of the Thomond Park images have been added to the Photo Gallery. Work is advancing and running to plan.
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Comyn in as Munster Branch IRFU President
Sunday Well’s Nicholas Comyn was named as the new President of the Munster Branch IRFU at the annual AGM at Sundays Well RFC in Cork on June 4th.
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June 30th, 2008
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