Pictures: Airport ‘buzzing’ as rugby fans fly to Paris

THE departure lounge in Cork Airport was a sea of green Irish jerseys yesterday, with groups of friends, couples, and several families making the trip to the French capital to watch the Ireland rugby team play.

The atmosphere ahead of the final World Cup group game against Scotland was one of excitement, with David Wynne from Ballincollig telling The Echo “at the last game against South Africa, they had such confidence”, and he and his wife Amy saying they were confident of an Irish victory.

They added that they were looking forward to the buzz in Paris, with David saying: “The French aren’t going to know what’s hit them with the Scottish and Irish supporters — they mix very well.”

Mark O’Mahony, brother of Cork-born back row player Peter O’Mahony, was flying out with his girlfriend Gillian to watch his brother play, and was excited to see him earn his 100th cap at 34 years of age. Mark was very optimistic for the match, saying: “We haven’t lost against Scotland since 2017.”

Four flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle departed Cork Airport yesterday ahead of Ireland’s clash with Scotland, their final game of the group stages.

One Aer Lingus flight, two Air France flights, and one charter service operating on behalf of Irish travel agencies departed Cork, with an estimated 500 passengers flying directly to Paris, with hundreds more flying via other cities.

Many rugby fans said they had to book indirect flights, with people transferring in Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Charlie McBurney and Eimear Heffernan, from Kinsale, flew to Frankfurt and then on to Paris, and on the way back they will have to make two transfers in Frankfurt and Munich.

They said that both their flights and accommodation were reasonably priced, though they had initially booked an apartment which fell through, so ended up booking the airport hotel in Paris.

They thought that the hotel was less likely to be infested by bed bugs, adding they had tea tree oil in their bags to keep them away.

Several people travelling mentioned being worried about bed bugs following recent reports of significant infestations across Paris.

Most fans’ score predictions put Ireland ahead, but not by much, with David Wynne, from Ballincollig, saying “Ireland will win but only by seven”, and John Murphy from Carrigaline agreeing “it’s going to be tight”.

Other fans were more optimistic, with Conn O’Connor, who was travelling with his brother Dermot and nephew Cian, predicting a final score of 34-10 to Ireland.

Airport staff were getting involved in the festivities as well, with The Loop operations manager Pat O’Connor and The Loop retail supply manager Gráinne Sargent wearing green to show their support.

Ms Sargent said that the duty free shop had been stocked with plenty of Irish rugby merchandise.

“We’ve ordered loads of extra merch’ — jerseys, hats, scarves, even the kids’ jerseys are selling very well too,” said Ms Sargent.

Mr O’Connor said that there was a fabulous atmosphere in the airport with fans flying out to France for matches.

“We’ve been very busy and there’s a great buzz around the place,” said Mr O’Connor.

Cork Airport communications manager Barry Holland said yesterday: “There was an electric atmosphere at Cork Airport once again today as hundreds of Irish fans headed to Paris for Ireland’s final pool game against Scotland tomorrow.

“It was great to see the terminal awash with a sea of green jerseys, hats, and scarves, which included some Cork Airport staff who also wore their Ireland jerseys especially for the occasion.

“As rugby fans fly to Paris in their droves this weekend, the nation is keeping their fingers crossed for a successful result — and all of us here at Cork Airport are anticipating a very busy couple of weekends to come.”