Connacht rugby chat thread

goalscoringhero

Dave Joyce wrote: »

And they've got the Quincentinal Bridge covered in flags too:) Pity some of the places in town wouldn't do a bit:mad:

What happened to those flags across the bridge? 2 days ago pretty much every lamp pole had one, this morning all were gone...same on Tuam Rd, only 3 or 4 flags left between Joyce and Font roundabout. Haven't checked the prom, same story there?

Starie1975

Good luck tonight lads.

Zzippy

goalscoringhero wrote: »

What happened to those flags across the bridge? 2 days ago pretty much every lamp pole had one, this morning all were gone...same on Tuam Rd, only 3 or 4 flags left between Joyce and Font roundabout. Haven't checked the prom, same story there?

Students out last night? :rolleyes:

f1dan

Zzippy wrote: »

Students out last night? :rolleyes:

Sat beside a guy in an exam on wednesday morning who was talking about taking some on his way home, so unfortunately you're probably right

alibabba

f1dan wrote: »

Sat beside a guy in an exam on wednesday morning who was talking about taking some on his way home, so unfortunately you're probably right

" Aye, fight and you may die, run and you'll live. At least a while.
And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to
trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one
chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take
our lives flags, but they'll never take our freedom?! Alba Connacht gu bra! "

Fozzie Bear

Summer saulting butterflies vomiting in the stomach. Can't be good to be nervous already. Finger nails won't last beyond 3pm!

Been raining fairly heavily this morning on and off. Wet slippy conditions should help bring Toulon down a few pegs. Might not be a classic but if Jonny Wilko leaves the Sportsground with the same result as he did the last time he visited we will all be very happy.

It was an all star Falcons side that day too that we beat unexpectedly. Jonny Wilkinson, Carl Hayman, Matthew Tait, Toby Flood....

Believe lads, Believe!!

R28

Fozzie Bear wrote: »

Summer saulting butterflies vomiting in the stomach. Can't be good to be nervous already. Finger nails won't last beyond 3pm!

!

Same as myself. Can't wait for the match to start. Getting giddy with nervous excitement.

Borders no.2

Hard luck to the lads tonight, they put in a superb effort, just couldn't get that all important try but it wasn't for the lack of effort, ref missed extremely obvious knock on in run up to Toulon try as well but thats a side issue really. Hopefully we can make some good signings in the summer and the lads can push on next season and will get the support they deserve and hopefully the Connacht Branch can get kick off times moved to something like 7.30 for next season to generate that support. This team deserves support and its only if the team is supported that we can make the improvement to the squad that will turn matches like tonight into wins.

Borders no.2

Very good values season tickets for Connacht Rugby for 2010/2011. 14 competitive games and 2 friendlies for 225 for an adult and 150 for a student working out at approx just over 14 euro a game for an adult and around 9.50 a game for a student. These are much better value than last year and the price means even if supporters miss 3/4 games they are still getting value from their season ticket. A student can miss up to 6 games and still get value from their season ticket. More than ever Connacht needs a strong backing for their season ticket campagin during the summer months to show commercial viability and to get the funding to bring a handful of new players into the squad.


From Connachtrugby.ie

Connacht Rugby is pleased to announce that season tickets will remain at the same price for the 2010-2011 campaign. With two Italian teams joining the Magners league this will give patrons two extra home games to enjoy.
This will mean that a ground ticket, which costs just €225, will cover eleven Magners League games at the Sportsground and the three pool games in the Amlin Challenge Cup. A season ticket for the enclosed stand will cost just €275, family tickets are €375, concessions €150 and juniors just €60 for the new campaign.
Season tickets can be purchased from the Branch Office on College Road or by downloading the application form from www.connachtrugby.ie
If you purchase your season ticket before the 31st May you are in with a chance of winning:
· 2 return flights and tickets to the inaugural rugby match in the Aviva stadium in July
· A Connacht jersey signed by the current squad
· A voucher for Elverys

Borders no.2

Carr wins IRUPA Young Player of Year award

Connacht winger Fionn Carr has been selected as the IRUPA Nature Valley Young Player of the Year.
The 24-year old was presented with the award at the Bord Gáis Energy IRUPA Awards in the Burlington Hotel following another superb season for Connacht.
Ireland and Ospreys winger, Tommy Bowe, was voted the Bord Gáis Energy IRUPA Players' Player of the Year by his fellow players at the eighth annual Bord Gáis Energy IRUPA Awards.
And former Connacht captain John Fogarty collected the IRUPA Nokia Unsung Hero Award, where Connacht’s Michael Swift was a contender.


New coaching appointments
Connacht Rugby is pleased to announce two new appointments to the coaching staff for next season.
Renowned Australian coach Brian Melrose will take up the role of Backs Coach and former Connacht, Ireland U21 and Ireland A winger Conor McPhillips will come into the newly created role of Video Analyst.
Brian Melrose has a distinguished career in Australia and brings a huge wealth of knowledge and experience with him. He joins Connacht after a very successful season as head coach of Eastwood RFC, Sydney. In 2008 Melrose took Australia’s U20 team to the World Cup in Wales and he has also managed the Australian 7’s team.
Brian has a long association with the NSW Waratahs having coached their Academy in 2004 and was their Attack & Kicking Coach in 2005 and 2006.
Conor McPhillips played for Connacht from 2003 to 2008 and in that time made 120 appearances.

Muldoon and Cronin in Irish squad
Connacht captain John Muldoon and hooker Sean Cronin have been included in a squad of 33 players for the 2010 summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.
The squad includes three uncapped players for the tour which kicks off with a game against the Barbarians.
The Ireland squad includes three uncapped players with forwards Chris Henry and Dan Tuohy making the tour party as competition in the back row and second row respectively.
The other uncapped player is Fergus McFadden who, along with Tuohy, will be making their first senior tour for Ireland.
McFadden was named Most Valuable Player when Ireland 'A' won the Churchill Cup last summer.
Ireland will begin the tour with a game against the Barbarians in Thomond Park on Friday June 4th before flying out for a meeting with New Zealand in New Plymouth on June 12th.
The New Zealand Maoris team is the next opposition for Ireland in Rotorua on June 18th as part of the Maoris centenary celebrations.
The final game of the tour will see Ireland playing their Rugby World Cup Pool C opponents Australia in Brisbane on June 26th.

Steyr

Sad to see Georgie N go.:(

Borders no.2

Connacht Rugby is pleased to announce the signing of two promising Irish backs for next season.
Shane Monahan of Blackrock College and Darragh Fanning of St Mary’s College will link up with their new colleagues when pre-season training commences at the Sportsground in a few weeks.
The two players, both aged 23, have impressed at a variety of levels over the past few years.
Shane Monahan, a winger/centre, was on the Ireland U-20 side which captured a Six Nations grand slam in 2007. The side was coached by new Connacht coach Eric Elwood and his assistant Dan McFarland.
Darragh Fanning, a winger or full-back, has impressed for Leinster Schools and the Irish Colleges side.

GUFC2009

Any Connacht Rugby season ticket holder can get €5 off admission to
Galway United v Bohemians in Terryland Park,
Tuesday next June 8th. Kickoff 7.45pm.

Borders no.2

GUFC2009 wrote: »

Any Connacht Rugby season ticket holder can get €5 off admission to
Galway United v Bohemians in Terryland Park,
Tuesday next June 8th. Kickoff 7.45pm.

Good stuff, read about this in today's Galway Independent and it said visit the website for details but there was none? I presume last year's season ticket will be ok? I was going to go to this anyway so will take advantage of this offer. Hopefully this will be a move towards the clubs working together and that Connacht will reciprocate the gesture.

civis_liberalis

Borders no.2 wrote: »

Good stuff, read about this in today's Galway Independent and it said visit the website for details but there was none?

http://www.galwayunitedfc.ie/connacht-rugby-season-ticket-holders

Borders no.2 wrote: »

I presume last year's season ticket will be ok?

2009, 2010 or 2011 season tickets will be accepted. Just present it at the ticket booth next Tuesday.

GUFC2009

Don't forget a ll Connacht Rugby season ticket holders will be entitled to a five euro discount at the home match against league champions
Bohemians on Tuesday June 8th. Kick off 7.45pm in Terryland Park
Supporters producing a 2009, 2010 or 2011 season ticket at the ticket booth can avail of the discount.

Borders no.2

Great news for Connacht, both Sean Cronin and John Muldoon are named in the team to face New Zealand on Saturday morning. Well done to the two lads

Robbo

Borders no.2 wrote: »

Great news for Connacht, both Sean Cronin and John Muldoon are named in the team to face New Zealand on Saturday morning. Well done to the two lads

The two lads were interviewed on Morning Ireland this morning and it was great to hear. Mul is the best fit 6 in the country at the moment and on recent form I'd have him about level with an on-form Ferris.

brianthebard

Robbo wrote: »

The two lads were interviewed on Morning Ireland this morning and it was great to hear. Mul is the best fit 6 in the country at the moment and on recent form I'd have him about level with an on-form Ferris.

He was savage against the Barbarians, Cronin had a good game too imo.

Zzippy

Delighted for both of them, especially Muldoon, he's really earned his place this year. As for Cronin, he just gets better and better, will be first choice for Ireland for a long time once he nails the spot down.

Borders no.2

Connacht Rugby This Friday and Saturday Connacht Rugby will be present in the Galway Shopping Centre on the Headford Road to display the new Patrons Package and Season Tickets. Why not pop down to say hi and sign up. Remember it's "Your Province, Your Team".

Borders no.2

Connacht Rugby This Saturday Connacht Rugby will be present in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre, Galway.On display will be both the new Patrons Packages and Season Tickets. So why not pop down and support your province or even just say hi. As always its 'YOUR PROVINCE, YOUR TEAM'

Borders no.2

The season kicks off this Friday evening with a friendly against Harlequins at 6.30. Good value to be had in combining this and the Saracens fixture or in purchasing a season ticket. Hopefully a good crowd will come along to try and get a bit of momentum before the start of the season.


Connacht announce details of Preseason fixtures

Connacht Rugby are pleased to announce the kick-off times for their two preseason matches. Connacht take on NEC Harlequins on Friday the 13th August at 6.30pm and Saracens on Saturday the 21st August at 6.30pm. Both matches will be played in the Sportsground, Galway and tickets can be purchased in advance from www.ticketmaster.ie or the Connacht Rugby Offices on College Road.

Supporters can avail of a special package for both matches by purchasing tickets in advance from www.ticketmaster.ie or from the Connacht Rugby Offices on College Road. The package, which includes a ticket for each of the preseason friendlies, can be purchased from: Enclosed – €30, General Ground – €20 and Concession – €15.
Please note that this package can not be purchased at the gate and must be purchased in advance.

Individual tickets for these matches will be priced at Enclosed – €20,
General Ground – €15, Concession – €10 and Junior – €5. Children under 12 years old will be admitted for free.

Season tickets can still be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ie or the Connacht Branch Offices and offer the best value for supporters. With two Italian teams joining the Magners league this will give supporters two extra home games to enjoy. This will mean that a ground ticket, which costs just €225 for renewal, will cover the two preseason friendly matches along with eleven Magners League games at the Sportsground and the three home pool games in the Amlin Challenge Cup. A renewal season ticket for the enclosed stand will cost just €275, family tickets are €375, concessions €150 and juniors just €60 for the new campaign.

Speaking about the matches against NEC Harlequins and Saracens Head Coach Eric Elwood had this to say:
“We’re looking forward to welcoming two of the Aviva Premiership’s top sides to the Connacht. To be the best you have to test yourself against the best and with the quality of both the squads there will be no shortage of talent visiting the Sportsground. We have had some intense preseason training and this is the opportunity for our players to put into action what they have been training for the last number of weeks.”

Borders no.2

Don't forget the first game of the season tomorrow. Prices are reduced by 5 euro for the friendlies. The new signings are all likely to make their debuts at some point tomorrow so even if it is a friendly it'll be worth a look.

Hyperbullet

Here's hoping for a good start to the season for Connacht (this coming from a Munster man). Will hopefully be heading to the Sarries match and roar them on.

evil_seed

Season tickets should be arriving in the post for the people that bought them from today. I got mine this morning.

Some worrying injury news with more rumous of Robbie Morris retiring and Jonny O'Connor set to be out for 2 months, leaving us struggling with numbers in the pack.

On the good news front we will probably have Gavin Duffy available for the 1st game after an extended break for the International players with Sean Cronin set to return for our 2nd Magners League game.

Only 9 days to go til kick off

Borders no.2

Yup got mine today. Looking forward to the season but worried as to how stretched our squad is. Having Gavin Duffy available from the off is absolutely crucial though. Lets hope there won't be too many more injuries.

By the way www.sportguru.co.uk is running a Magners League prediction league. There is a pool for all connacht supporters called Connacht Supporters. The password is muffleft , it should be good.

siltirocker

evil_seed wrote: »

Robbie Morris retiring and Jonny O'Connor set to be out for 2 months, leaving us struggling with numbers in the pack.

Only 9 days to go til kick off

FYP. Was in the Irish times this morning.

Borders no.2

Magners League kicking off for Connacht this Saturday at home to the Newport-Gwent Dragons with a 5.30 kick off at the Sportsground. There were some big games and big attendances towards the tail end of last season. Hopefully Saturday can be the start of a good season.

The attendances at Connacht matches that need to be higher on a regular basis. I think anyone who was at the Toulon, Leinster, Bourgoin games late last season would have enjoyed them so hopefully some of that support will return this season for the less glamorous games.

Season tickets are very good value as well and include entry into the game versus Samoa in November.

'Season tickets can still be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ie or the Connacht Branch Offices and offer the best value for supporters. With two Italian teams joining the Magners league this will give supporters two extra home games to enjoy. This will mean that a ground ticket, which costs just €225 for renewal, will cover the two preseason friendly matches along with eleven Magners League games at the Sportsground and the three home pool games in the Amlin Challenge Cup. A renewal season ticket for the enclosed stand will cost just €275, family tickets are €375, concessions €150 and juniors just €60 for the new campaign'.

Borders no.2

Final reminder Connacht v Dragons tomorrow evening at 5.30 Galway Sportsground.