Heineken Cup Final 2008
by Eileesh Buckley

Yet again the Red Army marched on Cardiff, from all corners of the world Munster supporters made the journey to Cardiff for the Heineken Cup final.  This time around it was to face the only team in the HEC with more matches and final appearances than Munster themselves.  Toulouse the aristocrats of European rugby, 3 times champions in four previous final appearances.   When Toulouse beat London Irish they had a lengthy injury list and as a result were underdogs when Munster qualified to meet them, but as the final approached the Toulouse injuries were treated and the majority cleared up in time for the final.  By the time the day of the final dawned the consensus from the majority of fans was that it was too tight to call.

The weather forecast for final day was for rain so the decision was made to close the roof on the Millennium stadium – guaranteeing an electric and deafening atmosphere.  As it happened the meteorologists got it wrong again, just as they had in 2006.  Final day dawned sunny and warm just as it had in 2006.   Yet again the Munster supporters showed their resourcefulness in planning travel arrangements, ferries from Ireland were booked out before the semi-final had even finished, and new airports and air routes were used like Knock to Doncaster!  The british rail network was once more overloaded with rugby fans, and numerous bus companies were deluged with group bookings.  To add to the public transport nightmare Bristol were competing in a soccer final in London on the same day.  And Bristol was a prime centre for munster supporters as well as something of a convergence point for fans staying in more unusual areas.

Fabien Pelous receives his marching orders during the final.
© MRSC - Eileesh Buckley


Once more Cardiff’s local authorities were well prepared and kept the area immediately adjacent to the station under tight management to avoid any possible choke point developing as overcrowded trains disgorged the platoons of fans.  The slight difference in the crowds arriving in Cardiff this year compared to 2006 was a visible increase in the number of “neutral” fans.  Maybe I’m biased, but Munster v Toulouse in the HEC final had to be a rugby fan’s dream match-up from a neutral perspective.  Two clubs with massive HEC pedigree, both with intensely passionate supporters.  While French club supporters do not traditionally travel the Toulouse supporters did arrive in Cardiff in some numbers while also having a big screen in the centre of Toulouse just as there was another screen in the centre of limerick for the munster supporters.

The glorious sunshine in Cardiff ensured a flooding of the streets with supporters determined to enjoy their day out.  The 5pm kick-off was later than normal, but that just gave everyone a little more time to warm up and practise their songs and chants before descending on the stadium.  The stadium filled up well before kick-off with both teams having support through their warm-up with their supporters carrying out their own warm-ups.

Eventually kick-off arrived after yet more pomp and ceremony from the tournament organisers, Munster started with huge intensity, and within 5 minutes there were Toulouse players on the ground getting treatment from their medics.  At that point I realised Munster were going to win the day.  While there were plenty of scares and twists and turns through the match in the end it was that difference in the intensity of the two teams and a certain Mr Quinlan’s ability to annoy highly experienced players which eventually proved the difference.   The determination of the Munster players and the dedication of both players and staff had ensured the team were able to give the best possible send-off to their departing coaches and retiring players.  A couple of new young players have had the ultimate confidence building experience, and a few Maoris’ have learned what it means to be a munster player in every sense.

Munster still have a few HEC records to aim for, and hopefully this season those records will be overhauled.  Toulouse have 1 game more, and 1 more title, as well as their back-to-back victories.  Knowing the ambitions of the munster players I’m sure they will be aiming to match those 3 records if at all possible for 08/09.  

Onward to 2008/09 and all that it holds in store for us all.  G’wan Munster !

Victory!
© MRSC - Eileesh Buckley



by Eileesh Buckley
MUNSTER 2008 HEINEKEN CUP – CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE DVD available

Munster’s victory over Toulouse to become Champions of Europe for the second time confirmed their position in the pantheon of truly great sides. Only three others have won it twice.
10% Discount off RRP available to Munster Supporters club members in The Munster Rugby Store.

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