After expolring 3 distinct ideas in parallel for the last 3 or 4 weeks have finally focussed on the role rugby plays in the life of Limerick city. The city is unique in my opinion in the way rugby is played and supported by all walks of life breaking down any social barriers that may still exist in these somewhat more enlightened times. Society was not always so liberal and egalitarian so what makes Limerick a little different from teh largely public school origins seen in other countries and even in Dublin,Cork within Ireland is a bit of a puzzle.
I am exploring this history as best I can but the reason rugby started out this way in Limerick and has not changed thru the decades even under pressure from the GAA instigated purge of all foreign games in the 1920's is as yet unknown.
Limerick pubs are covered in rugby memorabilia of locsl clubs and Munster acheivments and there is a great synergy , fuelled probably by the financial rewards of attracting supporters , whi have an inclination for alcohol. On match day , everyone wearing the red of Munster, the crowd becomes a large entity , proud of its rugby heritage and very aware of the ritualistic behaviour regarding songs, silence at opponents kicks which are rigourously maintained.
In my mind the crowd seems to know that divergent behaviour ,such as shouting at kicks...will inevitably lead to the break up of the mystical forces that hold this vast body of many different types of people in harmony...resulting in teh ultimate demise of the crowd.
So, lots of ideas ...but little imagery to work with. Any ideas would be gratefully received. Initial image posted shows Thomond Park as viewed from neighbouring housing estate. This in itself is unique in that most rugby grounds of this size would traditionally be placed in well to do reasidential areas reflecting the strands of society that support the game in these cities,countires....
