Connacht confirm Munster home game at MacHale Park, Castlebar
A Main View General The Stand Park In Mcshane/sportsfile By Of Ben Hastings Photo Machale Insurance
Connacht have confirmed that Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar – the home of Mayo GAA – will host their BKT United Rugby Championship interprovincial clash with Munster on Saturday March 29 (k/o 2.30pm).
It will be a first competitive Connacht Rugby fixture in Mayo during the professional era.
Connacht Cian Prendergast says all the players were delighted when told the news.
"The opportunity to play in front of a massive home crowd, in the heart of the province, is something to really look forward to. Today’s announcement is a massive boost for what will be a really important game for us, at a crunch time in the season. Our supporters are amongst the best there are, and we know the passion that the people of Mayo, and Connacht more widely, show every time they support their teams, whatever the code or colour of the jersey. We will be doing everything we can to feed off and match that passion in the performance we deliver on the day.”
Head coach Pete Wilkins says it will be a privilege to play at the home of Mayo GAA: “We’re all incredibly excited by today’s news. 29th March 2025 is a day that we are already looking forward to and it’ll be a privilege to play a part in it. We are proud to represent the whole province of Connacht, and we look forward to sharing this great occasion with our existing supporters and getting out to meet many more new supporters from all across the province."
Connacht CEO Willie Ruane added: “This promises to be not only a great occasion for Connacht Rugby supporters but also for the very many people all across the province who love sport more generally, whatever the code.
"We are very proud to represent the province of Connacht, from the four corners of the five counties, and this fixture provides us with a great opportunity to demonstrate that, in bringing a fixture of this significance out to the heart of the province.
"I want to thank and commend Mayo GAA for the extremely positive and collaborative manner in which they have engaged with us, and in ultimately agreeing to allow us play in the great facility that is Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.
"I would also like to say a special thank you to Dexcom, Intersport Elverys, and all our official partners. The reality is that without their cooperation and support, this event could simply not have happened. It’s now our job here at Connacht Rugby to deliver an event befitting of the occasion, and everyone at the club looks forward to making this a day to truly remember.”
Tickets go on general sale on Monday 13th January, with early access from Friday 10th January for those who register their interest at connachtrugby.ie/castlebar.