by Austin Dowling
ATTENDEES of this year’s Bulmers’ Pig ‘n’ Porter could expect to hear Mrs. Doyle’s infamous sporting cheer “Go on, my son!” amid the hubbub of the crowds as the world’s largest tag rugby event gears up for a very irreverent weekend of Father Ted themed fun.
The popular tag tournament continues to draw massive footfall for the city and this year will be no different as players and teams from all over the world have already booked out most of Limerick’s hotels and B&B accommodation.
Some 5000 visitors and 2500 players will descend on the grounds of the Old Crescent Rugby Club in Rosbrien from July 10-11 for the tag festivities.
Aside from the sport, the event offers a range of side-attractions, from live music to a performance by hypnotist and magician Steve Spade. Festival organiser, Eugene O’Riordan said it was a huge boost to the “novel” festival to secure a two-year extension of the festival’s high-profile sponsorship deal with Bulmers Irish Cider.
Eoghan Prendergast, CEO, said, “I don’t think anyone could have predicted 13 years ago when the Pig ‘N’ Porter festival started that it would grow into the event it now is”.
He praised it for contributing to the, “promotion of Limerick as the fun city it is and the entire team deserve huge credit for this.”
Reigning champions, the London based Tumeke Hippos are returning, but organiser Eugene O’Riordan is confident this year will see an Irish team keep the trophy home soil.
For more, see www.pignporter.com.
