ERC insist final is at Lansdowne

Despite a growing French campaign to have the Heineken European Cup final between Toulouse and Perpignan re-routed from Dublin to either Paris, Marseilles or Barcelona, which yesterday saw Serge Blanco join the fray, the ERC yesterday issued a statement confirming that the May 24th decider will go ahead as scheduled at Lansdowne Road.

"The prime reasoning behind the on-going ERC policy of selecting and announcing the venue for the final before the start of the tournament is to build a major European sporting event," said last night's statement, "allowing ERC and their tournament and broadcasting partners the necessary time to create the stage all concerned believe the final deserves.

"The huge contribution the Irish teams have made to the tournament, and the firm belief that Ireland had the local support base should there be no Irish participation in the final, contributed to Dublin being unanimously supported by all competing nations for the 2003 final, total support that remains intact."

As 6,000 match tickets and 1,200 hospitality packages were sold before the semi-finals, and both main sponsors Heineken and other sponsors were fully supportive of the decision, there was never much likelihood of ERC having a change of heart. A press conference tomorrow will outline marketing and ticketing strategies for the final.

Meanwhile, Mick Galwey may play his final match for Shannon when he chases a record-equalling 10th Munster Senior Cup winner's medal in Sunday's final against Midleton at Musgrave Park. Shannon are also seeking to emulate Garryowen's record of four successive Munster Senior Cups, established in the 1890s, while Midleton are within one game of their first.

Galwey is debating whether to play next season. "Never say never again, but I'll think about it over the summer," he said yesterday. "I'm talking with the Munster Branch and I'd like to stay involved in rugby some way or other. I'm just not sure whether to carry on playing or not."

A sponsored 5-kilometre walk will be held in aid of the Mick O'Connell Appeal Fund on Sunday, May 11th, on behalf of the 25-year-old Cork Constitution player who suffered a serious spinal injury in the Charity Cup game against Clonakilty last November.

The walk starts in Musgrave Park at 3 p.m. Up to 10,000 are expected to step out and the organisers hope to raise €500,000.

The Munster rugby team and All-Ireland football champions Nemo Rangers will be participating.

Anyone who cannot take part in the walk can contribute to the fund by texting the word MICK to 57444 and €10 will be lodged to the Mick O'Connell Appeal Fund.

For more information contact Dixie Whelan at 086-6686749, or email secretary@uccrugby.ie.