The day Thomond Park became rugby theater of dreams

Today, 40 years ago, a rugby field overlooked by a gray council housing estate was transformed into a glowing red theater of sporting dreams.

Munster's historic 12-0 triumph over the All Blacks, at Thomond Park, marked what many believe was the greatest moment in Irish rugby.

The 1978 Halloween clash in Limerick reads a firecracker in the heart of the All-Blacks side and smashed their "unbeatable" reputation.

It was the mighty Kiwis' first defeat to an Irish rugby side.

Brendan Foley, whose late and great Anthony famously captained his first Heineken European Cup in 2006, was a member of the Munster hit squad that broke the New Zealanders' spirit.

All of Limerick had swarmed into the 12,000-capacity stadium, creating a hornet 'nest of support and the Munster players had' no fear 'entering the game, Foley remembered. "It was an all-ticket game but when they were gone, they just piled (the fans) in.

"The atmosphere was incredible." Foley told the Irish Independent.

The Shannon Lock played an instrumental role in the game, scored by Christy Cantillon. When the Cork Con flanker got over the line, the swell threatened to spill on the pitch. Tony Ward duly converted and scored two drop goals.

"There was no Ronaldo celebrations," joked Foley, who had worked on the morning of the match.

"I remember the fans"

Munster's heroes will be honored at a ceremony at Thomond Park in late December.

Irish Independent