Lomu lights up Limerick before big game

All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu in Limerick city centre last night, where he turned on the lights on the country's tallest Christmas tree ahead of tonight's eagerly-awaited meeting with Munster at Thomond Park.
Photograph: Press 22

HUNDREDS OF people thronged Limerick city centre yesterday to see All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu light up the country's tallest Christmas tree, located on the river Shannon.

The 21m (69ft)-high tree is made from recycled steel from Thomond Park and is the centrepiece of this year's €200,000 Christmas lighting display in Limerick.

The switching on of the lights is part of the city's build-up to the official opening of Thomond Park tonight, when Munster take on the All Blacks.

It is exactly 30 years since the Munster team had its historic victory over New Zealand at Thomond Park and the eagerly anticipated anniversary game is set to generate some €6 million for the local economy, with hotels and guest houses booked out.

Many well-known figures will attend the match, including Bono, Christy Moore, Michael Flatley, Pádraig Harrington and Tommy Tiernan, and Taoiseach Brian Cowen will perform the official opening of the €40 million stadium.

A minute's silence will be observed ahead of the game in honour of Shane Geoghegan, who captained Garryowen rugby club's third team.

Speaking in Limerick last night, Jonah Lomu said the tragic death of the 28-year-old will be on the minds of the players.

"We have lost somebody who is quite dear to the rugby community itself and I think you can be pretty sure that everybody that runs out on to that paddock will be running out in memory of him and hopefully they can piece something together in terms of respect to him," he said.

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times