The Investec Champions Cup clash between Munster and Gloucester has stirred memories of the 2003 'Miracle Match', widely regarded as one of the greatest games in Irish rugby history. The January fixture, which took place at a sell-out Thomond Park, pitted two of Europe's top clubs against each other with Munster seeking to prove their doubters wrong.
The game, dubbed 'The Miracle Match' due to its unprecedented nature, was played out in front of a 12,500-strong crowd - less than half the venue's capacity. Gloucester, who had arrived as leaders of the English Premiership, were written off by many and considered heavy favourites to take Munster down.
However, Kelly credits Mossy Lawlor's try before half-time as the key platform for the drama that was to unfold. Ronan O'Gara penalty and try from Mick O'Driscoll after 57 minutes left Munster one try and seven points short of the required result. The game came down to a final scoreline, with Munster getting their reward when they went long in the line-out, kept possession and eventually worked Kelly over in the corner for the required fourth try.
The conversion at the end was crucial, and it's only later that players on either side realized just how important it was. John Kelly recalls that the team had "no idea" what O'Gara needed to do, with only assistant coach Brian Hickey providing the necessary guidance in case of a missed conversion.
Despite Munster eventually emerging victorious, the game has since become shrouded in myth, with many more claiming to have been present on that memorable day. For Kelly, who started at outside centre in the 2006 final victory over Biarritz, the experience will always be special - even if he only enjoyed it for just 30-60 seconds on the pitch.
The game is a testament to Munster's defining qualities during their golden era, which included two Heineken Cup victories and three domestic titles. As Kelly notes, there was an anxious feeling after achieving the long-sought success - as if the dream hadn't really happened despite knowing it had.
The game, dubbed 'The Miracle Match' due to its unprecedented nature, was played out in front of a 12,500-strong crowd - less than half the venue's capacity. Gloucester, who had arrived as leaders of the English Premiership, were written off by many and considered heavy favourites to take Munster down.
However, Kelly credits Mossy Lawlor's try before half-time as the key platform for the drama that was to unfold. Ronan O'Gara penalty and try from Mick O'Driscoll after 57 minutes left Munster one try and seven points short of the required result. The game came down to a final scoreline, with Munster getting their reward when they went long in the line-out, kept possession and eventually worked Kelly over in the corner for the required fourth try.
The conversion at the end was crucial, and it's only later that players on either side realized just how important it was. John Kelly recalls that the team had "no idea" what O'Gara needed to do, with only assistant coach Brian Hickey providing the necessary guidance in case of a missed conversion.
Despite Munster eventually emerging victorious, the game has since become shrouded in myth, with many more claiming to have been present on that memorable day. For Kelly, who started at outside centre in the 2006 final victory over Biarritz, the experience will always be special - even if he only enjoyed it for just 30-60 seconds on the pitch.
The game is a testament to Munster's defining qualities during their golden era, which included two Heineken Cup victories and three domestic titles. As Kelly notes, there was an anxious feeling after achieving the long-sought success - as if the dream hadn't really happened despite knowing it had.
they were supposed to be the underdogs but then came back from behind to win in like the most dramatic way EVER! I mean, you can just imagine the energy at Thomond Park with 12k people cheering them on 
it must've been absolutely electric!
this game is still mind boggling to me, even now all these years later... like how did they not know what O'Gara needed to do on that conversion 
and then for it to become legendary because of the circumstances 
i think its also interesting that Kelly has such a humble view on it after being part of an historic moment 
. I mean, 12,500 people watching a game at half capacity? That just doesn't feel right to me. And don't even get me started on the whole "Miracle Match" hype - it's just a fancy way of saying they got lucky 
. I remember watching that game back in 2003 and yeah, it was an exciting finish, but let's not blow it out of proportion. Munster's achievement is impressive, don't get me wrong, but sometimes these sports stories can be more about the hype than the actual gameplay 
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This 2003 'Miracle Match' is still giving me chills! I remember my dad watching that game on TV and he's still talking about how Munster came from behind to beat Gloucester. The atmosphere at Thomond Park must've been electric, even if the crowd was only half full 
. It's crazy to think about how close Munster were to losing it all when they needed one last try 
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anyway, but I guess this game is kinda cool, but only if you're into that sorta thing... so Munster won against Gloucester in 2003 and stuff, big deal 
it was like a "miracle match" because some of the fans thought they were gonna lose 
And Kelly's recollection of it being so special, even for such a short time on the pitch, just goes to show how much that moment meant to him.
. And can u imagine being on that pitch & feeling all the emotions? 
I think what's really cool about this game is how it showcases Munster's determination & teamwork during their golden era 
. It's amazing to see how it remains a special memory even years later 
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the energy must've been electric!! i love how munster came from behind and proved all the doubters wrong, its like they just got in the zone and took it to gloucester 
that's what i call a dynasty! 
but what's even crazier is how that game has become a part of history 
(check out this article about it: 
but at the same time, you gotta respect how Munster came back from behind like that 
! it's like they just rolled with the punches and went for it, no regrets 
. and that final conversion? GAME CHANGER 
it's crazy to think how much hype those Munster players must've felt in the lead-up to that game! They definitely deserved the win, though 
and can we pls not make it out 2 be some kinda miracle lol 
the atmosphere at Thomond Park was electric and we thought for sure gloucester was gonna take it away from munster but that try by mossy lawlor changed everything