Montauban Says Thanks

“Your small but adventurous excursion to our town will be remembered not only for the massive storm which the South-West of France experienced that weekend – thus delaying the match for a day – but also the Munster fans who were loved by the local people for their pride, patience and friendly behaviour.

Those are the words used by the President of Montauban’s Association franco-Irlandaise de Midi-Pyrenees, Irishman Ray Treacy, in his letter of thanks to Munster Rugby.

Treacy, who hails from County Fermanagh, is married to Maryline, the  Deputy Mayor of Montauban, in the course of his letter to Munster went on to say, ” I sincerely hope that Munster, now that you have won against one of the best teams in the H Cup, Montauban, go on and win the event.

“I am sure that every ‘Montalbanais’ will be backing you for the final.”

The same Montalbanais made every effort to make Munster supporters welcome and had various activities arranged around the town to entertain the Munster supporters, including Treacy himself frontlineing his band The Tones on Saturday night at a public function at However, that huge effort was thwarted by the weather and there is no doubt that Treacy’s Association franco-Irlandaise de Midi-Pyrenees took a serious financial hit as a result.

Nevertheless, Munster supporters who thronged the bars and cafes of the friendly French town will have been struck by the hospitable and friendly atmosphere generated by the Montalbanais.

It is therefore to be hoped that the side will continue to participate in the Heineken Cup and a future visit to the town is something that everyone can look forward to.