#3. Croke Park, Dublin
Hosting a Heineken Cup semi-final in 2009, Croke Park left an indelible mark on Owens. With over 82,000 fans creating an atmosphere reminiscent of international clashes, the sea of blue and red during the Leinster v Munster encounter set a record. The stadium’s remarkable aura became an enduring memory for the esteemed referee.
Owens wrote: “I refereed Leinster v Munster here in the Heineken Cup semi-final in 2009. It was like an international day, there was a sea of blue and red descending on the stadium. The attendance of over 82,000 set a record at the time and the atmosphere was remarkable.”
