New Dawn For Irish Independent Park

Since its acquisition by the Munster Branch in 1938, Musgrave Park has played a significant and indelible part in the rich history of Munster Rugby.

Now, following its €;3.2m redevelopment, and with a new name – Irish Independent Park – Friday night’s Wolfhounds v Saxons fixture will open a new chapter on the famous Cork venue.

Originally named after the late Jimmy Musgrave, who had been prominent in both Munster and Irish rugby for many years, Musgrave Park was officially opened in 1940 and since its inception has also been home to the Dolphin and Sunday’s Well clubs.

Bearing witness to many famous Munster encounters over the years, the venue has hosted all of the southern hemisphere ‘big three’, the first of which were South Africa in 1960 with the Boks running out 3-9 winners on the day.

However, Munster would bounce back at the venue some years later to become the first Irish provincial side to defeat a major touring team when they defeated Australia 11–8 in 1967. It was to become the first of three scalps over the Wallabies with victories following in 1981 and 1992 (when Australia were reigning World Champions).

While much is [rightly] written about Munster’s 1978 win over the All Blacks at Thomond Park, John Breen’s ‘Alone It Stands’ might well have been set on Leeside were it not for a last minute penalty at Musgrave. In 1973, a low scoring match saw the All Blacks awarded a kick at goal in the final minute of the game and with the kick on target, the tourists levelled the game at 3-3 and Munster had to wait almost 6 years to exact revenge on their visitors.

Writing in the Irish Independent this week, former Munster, Ireland and Lions out-half, Tony Ward recalled his playing memories of the stadium.

“Despite having lived in Limerick and loving everything about life and rugby there, I always had a special affection for and affinity with Musgrave Park.

“I was back at the same venue making my debut for Munster against the 1975-'76 touring Wallabies, and although we lost 15-13 (yours truly missing a late conversion) a decade of provincial representative rugby was under way.

“Eight of that Munster team went on to face New Zealand in that pretty well-recorded game two years on, while three – Ginger McLoughlin, Brendan Foley (Axel's dad) and me – were back on Leeside in 1981 when this time we did manage to beat the Aussies 15-6.

“As well as winning Senior Cup and Senior League titles, there were many great interpro victories there too. Indeed take away that loss to Australia in '76 and I can recall precious few defeats at this ground I love so well.

“It happened too that the Dolphin end had the best showers in the province at that time. A top-quality playing surface made it complete.”

Soccer also plays its part in the stadium’s folklore, notably a UEFA Cup clash between Cork City and European giants Bayern Munich. Before the game, the German’s key man, Stefan Effenberg, quipped that City’s Dave Barry looked like his grandfather and that they would beat Cork for sure.

However, Barry was to have the last laugh when his sterling strike held Bayern to a 1-1 draw and afterwards it was the Cork-man’s turn to quip.

“Whatever about me looking like his grandfather, I think he played like my grandmother.”

The East Terrace is now covered from endline to endline.

More recently, many of today’s household names made their provincial debuts at the ground – including Donncha O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell and CJ Stander. And with redevelopment works on target for completion this week, the future of Munster Rugby’s Cork home looks bright.

As part of an exciting partnership agreement between Munster Rugby and Independent News and Media, Musgrave Park will now play host to PRO12, Interpro, Club and Schools action under the new name of Irish Independent Park for at least the next 10 years.

To quote Tony Ward, “Irish Independent Park, is a new ground for the ages.”

While Munster play their first PRO12 encounter in Cork against Cardiff Blues on Valentine’s Day (purchase tickets here), fans can get their first glimpse of the stadium advancements this Friday night when Ireland Wolfhounds take on England Saxons – KO 7:45pm.

Kick-start your weekend cheering on Ireland Wolfhounds under Friday-night-lights. Tickets from just €;15 for Adults and €;30 for Families can be purchased online by clicking here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park or by calling 0818 719 300.