If there was one subject yesterday which eclipsed Munster's success at Thomond Park on Sunday, it was the talk in Limerick's political circles of the prospect of their own Michael Noonan becoming Fine Gael leader.
Fine Gael councillors believe Mr Noonan's tenure as Minister for Health from 1994 to 1997 and his overhaul of the MidWest Regional Hospital is remembered in the city. His emergence as a leader would galvanise Young Fine Gael, according to Cllr Diarmuid Scully, who, at the age of 29, is the youngest member of Limerick Corporation. Since the news of the heave he has had a call from a barrister, a former member of Young Fine Gael, looking to rejoin.
"It is a difficult one because I think everyone in Fine Gael likes John Bruton. But most young people find him a turnoff. He does not seem to connect with them or make any sort of impact on them," he said.
The leader of the Fine Gael group in the city council, Mr Michael Hourigan, said there was a desire now for a change in leadership which would bring a new energy to the party.
Mr Hourigan said the Mitchell/Noonan combination would appeal to both urban and rural supporters.
Another consideration in Fine Gael minds is the increased chance of winning back a second seat through Senator Mary Jackman when the former Progressive Democrat leader, Mr Des O'Malley, retires from East Limerick.
"We have done polls in the constituency which suggest that we will get two seats in the next general election," says Mr Richard Butler, a county councillor who was personal assistant to Mr Noonan when he was Minister for Health.
According to a city councillor, Mr Ger Fahy, there is a strong belief in Mr Noonan's intellectual capability, integrity and grassroots appeal.
"I was in my local pub last night and people kept on coming over to me saying we need Michael Noonan. There is cross-party support for Michael."