Doubts around whether Mayo can host big Connacht-Munster rugby clash
Former Mayo star and Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon is among those who have welcomed the prospect of the URC game coming to Castlebar.
The proposed Connacht-Munster clash at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park has been thrown into doubt due to Mayo’s Connacht quarter-final with Sligo.
The Mayo county board has applied to host next March’s URC tie at their home ground, which would be a historic first with rugby never having been played at the venue before.
However, the proximity to Mayo’s Championship opener against Sligo could throw a spanner in the works as the GAA’s Central Council mulls over the proposal. The Connacht-Munster game is due to take place on March 29, with the Mayo-Sligo game pencilled in for MacHale Park the following weekend, albeit the Connacht Council has yet to finalise its Championship fixtures just yet.
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Whether the surface would have recovered in time for the Connacht quarter-final, which would naturally be seen as the priority, is the main concern, particularly given the unpredictable March weather.
There are other issues too, such as the pitch markings, especially if some of the new rules going before Special Congress later this month are passed as extra markings may be required for Gaelic football, along with the possibility of Mayo being in the League final on the same weekend as the rugby game, though these would appear to be more surmountable.
Nonetheless, the proposal to host the game at MacHale Park was warmly received by county board delegates and has gone to Central Council for approval.
Connacht’s Dexcom Stadium in Galway is currently undergoing redevelopment work which restricts the ground’s capacity and so the prospect of taking games to larger venues around the province is appealing.
Former Mayo star and Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon, is who seeking re-election to the Dail next week, was supportive of the concept and feels that logistical issues can be overcome.
He told MidWest Radio: “If we can look at other models and we have seen Cork GAA successfully integrate Munster Rugby into fixtures at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and that's a proven model. And that has shown how different sporting codes can co-exist and thrive bringing significant benefits to local communities and the economy.
"I feel that following this model we can ensure that Mayo GAA and Connacht Rugby can benefit both from this partnership and also create a more dynamic sporting environment for the western region."
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