Shannon Airport is now the Official Airport Partner for Munster Rugby in a new three year commitment. The deal formalises a long standing relationship between the province and Shannon, with the airport having hosted Munster homecomings over the years, including following the 2006 and 2008 European Champions Cup victories.
The partnership, which makes Shannon the exclusive airport partner to Munster rugby, will see the Shannon logo positioned on the players’ shorts.
Shannon Airport Managing Director Andrew Murphy said that it’s a natural fit for both airport and province. “Shannon Airport is synonymous with some of the great Munster Rugby homecomings. We’ve had thousands of Munster fans packed in here for Munster homecomings over the years. The most notable events were, naturally, the ’06 and ’08 homecomings following the European Champions Cup victories in Cardiff.
Andrew Murphy, Managing Director Shannon Airport, with Munster Rugby players Dan Goggin, Conor Murray and Keith Earls. Photo: Diarmuid Greene True Media
“The great thing about Munster also is that we have had big numbers here for homecomings after quarter-finals and semi-finals and, indeed, also when the team did not get across the line. It’s just a brilliantly supported team, in good times and bad. This is a perfect partnership for Shannon. Munster is a massive rugby community. Shannon is also very much a community and over the years this has been the preferred airport of Munster players and fans alike so it’s only right that we would formalise the relationship.”
Munster Rugby Commercial Manager Doug Howlett said: “We have a rich and colourful history together and we remain very much aligned through serving our community and striving for excellence. Munster Rugby are excited to formalise this relationship and for Shannon Airport to remain the launch pad for our rugby adventures into the future. As the season kicks off this Friday we look forward to supporting the team and our latest partner.”
Shannon Group CEO Matthew Thomas added: “From a Shannon Group perspective, we are delighted that Shannon Airport and Munster have formalised their long standing relationship and we look forward to the province picking up where it left off last season and continuing its progress back up the European ladder.”
