3 Mar 2009Republic to take on Aussies in historic friendly at Thomond Park

Football Technology and Stadia

The Republic of Ireland confirmed yesterday (March 2nd) that they will host a friendly against Australia at famous rugby venue Thomond Park on August 12th.

Talks about the possibility of bringing a football match to the 26,000-seater venue - which was recently redeveloped - have been taking place for a number of months.

But the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that the historic match against the Socceroos will go ahead, representing the first time the Republic have played a senior international in Limerick.

Responding to the news, stadium director John Cantwell said: "It has always been our objective in the redevelopment of the stadium to work with leading sports bodies to attract major sports events to the city.

"It is a great boost for Limerick and the many football and sports fans throughout the region who now have opportunity to watch international football on their doorstep."

FAI chief John Delaney added that he was looking forward to the clash and praised the stadium's management team for their "foresight in opening up" the venue to football.

The Republic of Ireland currently sit atop Group Eight in their World Cup qualifying campaign, level with Italy on ten points.

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