Ebullient fans flock to Dublin Airport ahead of European finals

By Shane Dawson

Spirits were high at Dublin Airport this morning as fans of both Leinster and Liverpool began their adventure to European finals.

All roads lead to France, with Liverpool looking for a seventh Champions League title, and their first since 2019, in Paris.

Meanwhile in Marseille, Leinster will hope to secure a Heineken Champions Cup crown for a record-equalling fifth time.

Leinster fans were taking the road less travelled this morning, with many departing for Dusseldorf before eventually arriving in Marseille. Such is the dedication, for one fan his return journey comprised of a flight to Rome, changing for Suceava in Romania, before touching down in Dublin.

The Leinster Rugby Supporters' chartered flight was due to depart Dublin Airport but a late change meant a trip west to Shannon airport was on the cards for a select group of fans. However, for many devoted supporters of the Irish provincial side this isn't their first final appearance.

A group of three friends have 14 final appearances between them with "the rugby, the food, the company and most importantly getting on the plane now", at the forefront of their mind. Another family of four "wouldn’t miss it for the world", with a day off school permitted for the "rugby mad" son and daughter.

Liverpool fans were not only bound for Paris, but also on the way to Liverpool to hopefully soak in the celebratory atmosphere.

"My brother booked an apartment for this weekend in Liverpool at the start of the season in the hope that we might get there, explained one enthusiastic supporter.

"Four of us are heading over and I can’t wait for it. We owe Real Madrid one for the last time in 2018, so fingers crossed the cup will come home for the seventh time."

Revenge is on the