Pearse Stadium no go for Connacht

THE GAA’s headquarters in Galway, Pearse Stadium, will not be available to Connacht to play Heineken Cup matches in the autumn should Eric Elwood’s side finally make it into Europe’s premier competition.

However, GAA bosses in Galway are not opposed to the 34,000 capacity Salthill venue being used at some stage in the future but point out that it will require a decision at GAA Congress to allow other sports be played at the venue.

Connacht are the only side in the Magners League not to have played in the Heineken Cup but if Leinster defeat Northampton Saints in the final of the competition on Saturday week, then Elwood’s men will finally step up next season.