RETURN OF THE CRAIC!

This Sunday sees the Craic return to the Madejski Stadium!  London Irish's first home league game of the season against Gloucester is not the only event happening on the day, we have a full programme of entertainment for you to enjoy.  From 12 noon on the outdoor Guinness stage (in the car park in front of the Megastore) Le Chéile and the Hothouse Flowers will be performing.  Prior to the match, the Dunlop Academy will be dancing on the pitch, followed by a set from Malachi.

The Hothouse Flowers, the legendary Irish band, have just returned from a tour of the US and have had hits with songs including 'Don't Go' and 'I Can See Clearly Now'.

The three key band members are Liam O'Maonlai, Fiachna O'Braonain and Peter O'Toole and originally formed in 1984 from a blues background.  The band plays Irish rock and have reached superstar fame in their native Ireland, also achieving success and musical acclaim in the UK and abroad.  Having completed six albums and a series of world tours, their musical ability is undisputed and their fantastic live performances renowned.

The Hothouse Flowers will be one of three bands playing at the Madejski on Sunday, with a set starting at approximately 1pm.  They will be supported by London Irish house band Le Chéile and riverway, a new band formed by Ronan and Ruairi MacManus, who have been entertaining the crowds at London Irish for years and have now joined forces with their brothers Liam and Kieran.  riverway come from the legendary musical MacManus family; Dad (Ross) was a renowned jazz singer and elder brother (Declan) is better known under the nom de plume of Elvis Costello. Though they readily acknowledge and embrace their musical heritage, this current MacManus crop along with David Bowles on bass have a musical style and sound that is original and distinctive.

riverway's debut single, 'Don't Start Me Off' is being released in October, and London Irish is looking forward to hosting the band on the outdoor stage at the Madejski this Sunday. The band are delighted to be invited to this event and promise an 'all out' show, they are planning a special Riverway starter pack specifically for the event, with a specially produced CD and a newly designed Riverway T-shirt.

Fame Academy's Malachi will also make a guest appearance in support of GOAL, the international humanitarian and relief agency that is one of London Irish's official charities this season.

The 22 year old star is from Donaghmore, County Tyrone, and had never left his native Ireland before the Fame Academy auditions. With musical influences including Van Morrison, U2 and The Pogues, Malachi was a gas fitter before being able to become a full time musician after his stint on the Academy. London Irish look forward to introducing him to the Craic in Reading and are sure the rugby spectators will make him feel at home!

In addition to the Zurich Premiership rugby match on the pitch, live music from 12noon until 8pm, a bouncy castle, Irish dancers and the compulsory extra drink stands will keep the whole family amused.

Tickets can be bought via the ticket hotline, 0118 968 1000, or save £2 by booking via the website.

Irish troop to dance in the new season

The Dunlop Academy of Irish Dance will also be joining us to dance in the new season. Members of the Academy will be dancing on the Madejski pitch in the build up to the match. The dancers will also be seen around the Stadium collecting for their forthcoming tours.

25 dancers will be performing, with the youngest being only 4 years old, and the oldest 18. The Dunlop Academy train in Aldershot and currently hold several Great Britain Champion titles. They regularly compete in national and international competitions, and are working towards the All Ireland and International Championship, which will be held in Ireland next Easter.

Lynn Dunlop, President of the Academy, is looking forward to bringing the dancers to the Madejski, "The crowd on Irish matchdays is always very welcoming and we love performing at community events like the rugby games. We'll also be busy collecting for our forthcoming tours to Scotland, Ireland and Germany - we raised over £1000 the last time we collected at the Madejski and hope to raise even more this time." 

TRY B4 YOU BUY

Season Ticket Offer
London Irish is offering a unique incentive to fans who are still considering buying a season ticket for the 2003 / 2004 rugby season.   For supporters who attend the match against Gloucester on Sunday, 21 September and wish to purchase a Season Ticket, London Irish will refund your match ticket in full.

What is the procedure?  You must keep hold of your Ticket Stub (as this will be your proof of attendance).  Fill in a Season Ticket Application Form and attach the stub to the form.  Either take your form in person to the Ticket Office or send it back to the Madejski Stadium.  Your match ticket will be refunded once your application has been successful.

This offer is only available for attendees at the Gloucester game, and is valid till Friday 3rd October.

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