Connacht's URC clash against Munster could be held in MacHale Park

Reports from the Mayo Football Podcast say that Connacht have put in a request to Mayo GAA for the game to be held at the Castlebar venue.

REQUEST: Connacht Rugby have put in a request to Mayo GAA for their interpor clash against Musnter to be held at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park. Picture: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Connacht's URC tie with Munster next March will be held at Mayo GAA HD in Castlebar if a Mayo request to Central Council is green-lighted.

The move at a Mayo County Board meeting received delegate approval. Connacht's Dexcom Stadium is currently undergoing redevelopment work with the number of supporters restricted whilst the works are being completed. A move to Castlebar's MacHale Park would allow for a larger crowd, with a capacity of approx 25,000, at the interpro clash as the season hits into the business end. 

Should the fixture be given the green light to go ahead it will be an historic first rugby fixture at the iconic Mayo GAA venue. 

Mayo's League campaign would be completed by the date with the Connacht championship opener against Sligo set for a mid April date. 

Former Mayo footballer and Fine Gael Minister Alan Dillon told MidWest Radio: "It is an exciting prospect and one that I would wholeheartedly support. And I am conscious that while speaking to you today that the next steps involved are continous discussion and negotiations. And I know Mayo GAA club delegates have given the green light for the executive of the County Board to speak with GAA Central Council who would need to approve any request to open negotiations.

"Speaking to many locals, the overwhelming feeling is one of support. I certainly feel that this initative to open Hastings Insurance MacHale Park to other sports including rugby and events is a significant step in the right direction. 

"For Mayo, a county who has a really rich sporting pedigree, hosting these type of events would be a very exciting opportunity."

He went on to say "It is a top class stadium, all seater, new stand developed over a decade ago. But certainly it has been under utilised... 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."

I spoke to @radiomidwest this morning.

The potential for Hastings Insurance McHale Park is enormous and the time to act is now.

This could be a game-changer for Mayo as a sporting venue with its floodlights and all-seater stadium, and a close partnership with Connacht Rugby is… pic.twitter.com/fLE8QcEIuD

— Alan Dillon (@Alan_Dillon) November 19, 2024

Dillon feels that while there may be logistical issues they should not be significant barriers to overcome between both sides and they have a "unique opportunity" to bring rugby to Castlebar while redevelopments are taking place at Dexcom Stadium. 

"We have a unique opportunity now while the new Dexcom Stadium in Galway city is being redeveloped that I am sure Connacht Rugby want to look at other venues in order to maximise their support base but also giving the opportunity to other counties to host these types of events."