MyMunster.com, a social networking site for Munster Rugby supporters, is this week’s worthy recipient of the Tuesday Push. And for some reason, it falls on me, Aoife, a girl who knows next to nothing about the sport, to blog about it.
Now, I do know the essential elements about the Munster team. They have Ronan O’Gara to kick the funny-shaped ball. They play at Thomond Park in Limerick. Peter Stringer is really short (I actually just Googled “short rugby Munster” to find out his name, so that’s cheating). Their fans are remakably more, well, enthusiastic than Leinster supporters. And.. that’s about it.
But even I can see that this site is a great place for Munster fans to chat, share pictures and videos and get up-to-the minute news. It’s ridiculously simple to sign up, so simple that I did it, and am now MyMunster’s most clueless member.
One really cool element, and one that marks it as very different to other social networking sites, is the credits system. Members are awarded credits for their activities on the site, like uploading photos and adding friends. These credits can then be used to enter competitions for some excellent prizes, like Heineken Cup rugby tickets and entry to Munster rugby training sessions (where one could ogle Ronan O Gara. I’m just saying!). Not only this, but members can also purchase credits and the money spent goes towards developing the game in the province and fostering the next generation of Munster rugby players. I love this idea as it really illustrates Munster’s passion for and dedication to the sport as well as the fans’ sense of pride in their team.
It would be great to see a similar site for Leinster supporters. Social networking and the credits system could also be a great resource for regional GAA clubs (not that I know anything about GAA either..!)
