A MASSIVE television screen is set to beam all the action of Limerick v Kilkenny’s All-Ireland Hurling Final clash at Croke Park to thousands of GAA fans in the Treaty City as the Shannonsiders bid for four-in-a-row titles.
With tickets as rare as gold dust for the clash of the two hurling titans, Limerick City and County Council and Limerick GAA announced Tuesday they will bring the big match-day atmosphere to the streets of Limerick City.
A free big screen event in Pery Square will show the match live in a ticket-only family-friendly setting.
The rain on Shannonside could not wash away the green and white aurora that has illuminated the city with buildings, castles, shops, and offices all decorated in bunting, flags, caps, and jerseys, in homage to the historic three-in-a row All-Ireland and five-in-a-row Munster senior hurling winners.
Live screenings of previous All-Ireland finals at Limerick’s TUS Gaelic Grounds have attracted thousands of fans, however, a big match screen in Limerick City Centre has not been replicated since it was provided for the 2006 European Rugby Cup Final between Munster and Biarritz, when live footage of fans in Limerick was beamed back to the Millennium Stadium in Wales, helping rally Munster to victory.
Announcing Sunday’s All-Ireland city screening, Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr Gerald Mitchell, said: “I’m delighted, it will create an exciting buzz and provide a shot in the arm for traders as families spend the day in the city. If you can’t be in Croke Park, Pery Square is the place to be.”
“I would ask people to be respectful of people’s property, particularly for the many residents in the vicinity of Pery Square. Let’s make this an occasion for everyone to enjoy and hopefully we’ll have a victorious four-in-a-row to celebrate when the final whistle blows.”
The Council also announced that Pery Square will be the location for any homecoming celebrations on Monday evening.
Eugene Crimmins, the Council’s festivals officer, said he anticipated the events “will bring thousands of supporters into the heart of Limerick“ and that the Council was “working closely with An Garda Síochána, other bodies, residents, and businesses to keep disruption to a minimum”.
Limerick’s history-making hurling manager John Kiely urged those attending the big screen and potential homecoming events to show their pride in Limerick by leaving it litter free.
“Let’s make a statement by keeping Pery Square and the surrounding area really clean during the upcoming events in Limerick City. As a team we always support the Team Limerick Clean Up initiative every Good Friday. Being respectful by keeping our streets clean is an important expression for all of us who are part of the Limerick Senior Hurling Team.”
Road closures
A number of roads in the vicinity of Pery Square will be closed across the weekend to facilitate Sunday’s screening and potential Homecoming celebrations on Monday.
Limerick City and County Council said there will also be no parking available on a number of streets with a tow away system in place, adding that alcohol will not be permitted and bag checks will be conducted at entry points.
Details on how to register for a ticket to the big screen event will be announced this week.
