O’Mahony Relishing Thomond Park Debut

Ronan O’Mahony has been handed the number 11 shirt by Rob Penney for the top of the table clash with Ospreys tomorrow night (ko 7:15pm).

It will be O’Mahony’s first start at Thomond Park and the exciting winger has certainly earned the opportunity with an impressive start to the season that included a hat-trick against London Irish at Musgrave Park in the Seat Series.

The 24 year old grew up watching Munster at Thomond Park and finds it hard to believe that he will be stepping out in the red jersey at the famous ground on Saturday.

“As a young fella growing up I went to Thomond Park to watch a lot of games, playing there for the senior team is going to be pretty surreal and I can’t wait for Saturday.

“I’m just going to try to embrace the occasion, the intensity of the game is going to be right up there – a top of the table clash – you can’t get any better than that.”

The Garryowen clubman, whose older brother Barry also plays for Munster, gets plenty of support from his family and is expecting quite a few requests for tickets before Saturday.

“A lot of family will come out and support me, they’re big into it and are very supportive.”

“It’s great that there are two sets of brothers in the set-up. Barry and I, and the Scannells (Niall and Rory in the academy) all recently lined out for the Munster A’s in the British and Irish Cup.

“Our parents are obviously so proud, two years ago when Barry was in Clontarf and I was in Garryowen my father was trying to decide which games to go to, whether to go up to Dublin to see him play or to watch me, so at least with the A team this year he can come out and support both of us!”

The powerful winger has already started two games this season but with competition in the Munster squad as fierce as it has ever been, O’Mahony knows how difficult it is to hold down a regular place in the first XV.

“I’m just trying to build and keep working on my game. I’ve grown in confidence from the last couple of matches but you’ve got to take your opportunities.”

“There are nine or ten players who can play in the back three that are available.

“With Gerhard Van Den Heever coming in next week he’ll add more competition and Luke O’Dea is close to coming back from injury but I can’t really focus on other players.

“I’m just concentrating on my own game and my own performance, hopefully that will be enough to keep my spot.”

Tickets are on sale for this game online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket offices in Musgrave Park and Thomond Park or by calling Ticketmaster on 0818 719300.

The mobile ticket office at Hassett’s Cross will be open until 7pm today, and the ticket office will be open from 9am on match-day.

Family packs are available for €;40 for 2 Adults and 2 Juniors.

Junior – Under 16 years of age