It must be said that it's somewhat ridiculous to put any live sporting occasion on at 6 o'clock on a Friday evening. But even at that, when Munster are attracting a crowd of just a little over 7,000 for an inter-provincial Pro12 game, it's certainly notable.
With interest in rugby reaching crescendo over the past couple of weeks the question in the provinces was, would that lead to something of a rugby hangover or would it attract new fans and put bums on seats in the likes of Thomond and the RDS?
If the Thomond crowd is anything to go by, it seems that it's the hangover that's winning out at the moment. Perhaps that's ignoring the fact that Thomond crowds are not what they once were over the past couple of seasons but the fact that a game of that magnitude can't attract the Munster faithful is certainly a worry for Anthony Foley.
It is disappointing the crowd was what it was.
The crowd that were in attendance were treated to a thrilling 32-28 victory for Munster. But the Munster head coach was up front with his fear that the possibility of watching as much sport as you want on TV just isn't the same as going along to the games and cheering on the side.
You've got to come and sample it. Watching it on TV is only armchair stuff - you've got to come here and feel it. It's important for Limerick that everyone comes out and supports the game. It's a big stadium that needs filling and it's a great atmosphere.
Munster are away to Edinburgh next Saturday and the following weekend is the return of European rugby with Treviso coming to Thomond in the first game of this season's Champions Cup. With the World Cup well and truly in the background then, it will be very telling to see what kind of numbers Munster can attract for that clash.
