International Rugby Experience first look: ‘It’s difficult not to be impressed on a visit to this not-for-profit cultural institution that is hoped to bring a major boost in tourism revenue to Limerick and the midwest’
As chairperson of the experience, which opens this week – “a mile and a half as the crow flies” from Munster rugby’s base in Thomond Park – you’d expect him to gush. But even if the sport of rugby doesn’t get your blood pumping, it’s difficult not to be impressed on a visit to the not-for-profit cultural institution, which was the idea of local businessman and racehorse owner JP McManus. The €30 million initiative is funded by his charitable foundation, the JP McManus Benevolent Fund.
First conceived by McManus and his team in 2016, and delayed by the pandemic, it’s being overseen by chief executive Barry Hannon, who, like O’Connell, hopes that “for the price of a cinema ticket” the experience will give locals and tourists a reason to visit Limerick and bring new life to the city. He is our tour guide today, pointing out how the arches of brickwork above us simulates a scrum, “that idea that the players are stronger together”.
Inevitably, the more interactive spaces on the third and fourth floors, where people of all ages can test their skills, will be among the most popular areas. As O’Connell mentioned, England’s Jonny Wilkinson features here describing and demonstrating how to execute three different kicks, which visitors can try it out for themselves, kicking balls at a target.
Paul O'Connell with Lucy Creagh and Anna Croffrey at the International Rugby Experience. Photograph: Don MoloneyA couple of days later, talking to the building’s architect on Zoom, it’s fascinating to hear how Niall McLaughlin initially approached the interview for the job. “Most good architecture is always trying to show you how it’s put together … the way the building is communicating its own structure and materials.
Speaking of happy places, I ask McLaughlin about the top floor of the building, which offers panoramic views of the city. It’s a stunning space with a vaulted ceiling and openings through which light is filtered from above. When we visited, this floor was filled with large, vertical screens where you learn about legends of the game and can create your own dream starting 15. These screens can be removed for public gatherings such as weddings, birthdays or memorial gatherings.
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