THE early morning start had no impact on the air of excitement and anticipation at Cork Airport as almost 750 rugby fans departed for Paris ahead of Ireland’s opening Six Nations fixture versus France tonight.

Three flights departed Cork Airport for Paris within one hour this morning – an Aer Lingus scheduled service to Paris Charles de Gaulle, a charter service to Paris Charles de Gaulle and a charter service to Paris Orly.

Fans from across Munster couldn’t contain their high spirits as they travelled with two local agencies, Lee Travel and Dawson Travel along with sports travel specialists, Killester Travel and Cassidy Travel.

Many other fans at the airport were making their way to Paris via connecting flights in London, Edinburgh and Manchester.

The airport’s security team were well prepared for the hundreds of travelling fans reporting thatn all passengers travelling to Paris cleared airport security in eight minutes or less.

Airport spokesman Barry Holland said: ‘It was fantastic to see so many fans flying to Paris today. With plenty of green hats, scarves and jerseys around the terminal, occasions like this bring great excitement.’

Dawson Travel sales manager Paul Dawson added: ‘We have a very excited bunch of Irish fans travelling out of Cork Airport. We expect a very tough encounter with France, but our fans will be there in their thousands to cheer on our men in green.’

Paul and Gertie Hayes from West Cork, heading for Paris for France vs. Ireland in the Stade de France tonight.

Mary Jones, Lee Travel and Paul Dawson, Dawson Travel pictured as Irish rugby fans checked in for their flight to Paris this morning.

Irish rugby fans checking in for their flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle at Cork Airport this morning.