GET READY TO ROAR

O’mahony tells Thomond fans they can expect to have plenty to shout about when Reds take to the field

MUNSTER skipper Peter O’mahony believes the Reds will front up and produce their best performance of the season when Gloucester come to Limerick tomorrow.

It’s a massive Champions Cup tie and Munster need to win to build up some momentum in Pool 2 after a good 10-10 draw at Exeter Chiefs last Saturday.

And 29-year-old flanker O’mahony feels the Thomond Park crowd can expect a big display as their team is really starting to gel.

“It certainly is. We have played a bit of rugby now together in the last couple of months. Some good performances, some poor ones,” said O’mahony.

“We have learned a few lessons and we are sharpening up all of the time.

“But this is going to be the biggest performance of the year so far.

“It’s always something you are looking forward to, getting out at home and getting our fans behind us.

“I have no doubt they will fill the place up as well. The support last week was incredible and it will be great to be back at home at the weekend.”

Cork native O’mahony has 50 caps for Ireland and is likely to play a major role for his country in next month’s autumn internationals.

But Munster is his primary objective right now, a week on from his team’s battling draw at Sandy Park.

“You always go to win no matter where you are going or who you play against. But given the circumstances; the weather, the different factors, how good Exeter are, how good they play it... we would certainly be happy with that result,” said O’mahony.

“We are expecting a huge performance (tomorrow), as always in the European Cup. Gloucester are an incredible side with incredible talent across the board. They are ready to spread the ball, hold the ball. “You speak about Exeter’s ability to hold the ball – Gloucester certainly aren’t that far behind them, if they are behind them at all, with their ability to hold it, their ability to strike wide.

“Their pack, their maul is another huge weapon for them.

“Across the board it’s going to be a massive game.”

Yesterday, the province received a big boost with news of the signing of scrum-half Nick Mccarthy from Leinster and contract renewals for Chris Cloete, James Cronin, Neil Cronin, Chris Farrell and Tommy O’donnell (inset).

Gavin Coombes and Shane Daly are also set to join the Munster senior ranks next season.