Mayo manager McStay helps Connacht rugby prepare for historic Castlebar game

Mayo manager Kevin McStay lent some words of encouragement to the Connacht players before their clash with Munster on Saturday. File picture: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Mayo football manager Kevin McStay delivered a presentation to the Connacht rugby players and management on what to expect when they take on Munster in front of a capacity crowd of over 25,000 at MacHale Park in Castlebar on Saturday afternoon.

The Mayo boss took time out of his own schedule as he prepares for Sunday’s Allianz League decider against Kerry in Croke Park to help Connacht’s preparation for the historic tie.

And Colm Tucker, the scrum and contact coach who is heading up the Connacht management as head coach Pete Wilkins remains on sick leave, said that McStay’s help was warmly received.

Most of the Connacht players and management will only see the ground for the first time when they hold their captain’s run at MacHale Park on Friday afternoon.

“Friday will be the first time we will have a session there,” said Tucker. “We actually had Kevin McStay with us this morning, just to chat a little bit around it. So that was brilliant for the people to hear around MacHale Park and around Mayo and how they approach things.

“So that was a lovely presentation from him this morning and we were very appreciative of him sharing his thoughts and wisdom with us. It was fantastic.” 

Colm Tucker, right, said McStay's help was warmly received. File picture: Ben Brady/Inpho

Tucker said that while it is a huge occasion for Connacht — the biggest home crowd they have ever had in what will be their first competitive game in Mayo —they lose sight of the importance of what’s at stake as they strive to make the knockout stages of the league and what would be prized Champions Cup qualification for next season when they unveil their €40m redevelopment of Dexcom Stadium in Galway.

“I think it's, first of all, acknowledging it by having somebody like Kevin in to explain the background of the stadium and the importance of Mayo GAA to Connacht Rugby and the relationship there. And then it's just process driven from there, really. You know, it's an inter-pro as well, which obviously adds another layer.” 

Tucker said it’s the sort of occasion every player in the squad wants to participate in. “There’s some disappointed guys who’ve spoken to. It’s tough on them but it’s professional sport and we’ve put what we feel is the best 23 on the pitch for the weekend and these are the guys we believe in.

“As a squad, it’s up to all of them to help prepare those guys to be in the best position to play on Saturday and to represent the province and represent the club. The whole squad has a huge role this week, a massive role.” 

On a wider front, with ticket sales high in all five Connacht counties, Tucker and the organisation know this is a unique chance to broaden their appeal.

"Absolutely and the way we're playing the game at the moment is very exciting, it should appeal to everybody. The big thing is that everybody gets there early and soaks up the atmosphere which will be very, very special on the day.

“This is an opportunity for us as an organisation and a club to get out amongst the province, get out from the Sportsground, and show a good account of ourselves.

“It's fantastic the province has backed us with the spread of tickets around the five counties. It's an occasion we're massively looking forward to,” added Tucker.