Students from St Gerald's College pictured with Connacht rugby players Byron Rolston and Ben Murphy at an event in Bank of Ireland, Castlebar, which brought players to meet customers and school students as part of the Bank of Ireland partnership with Connacht Rugby. Photo: Alison Laredo

Rugby fixture 'kicks off economic uplift across Mayo'

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Mayo Minister of State Alan Dillon has expressed his excitement ahead of a historic weekend of sport in Mayo, highlighting the significant boost it will bring to local businesses and tourism.

Michael Donnelly, Deirdre Donnelly of Mayo Sports Partnership, Minister Alan Dillon, Lyndon Jones, Connacht Rugby participation manager, and Simon O'Malley Regional Development Officer Connacht Rugby. Photo by Michael Donnelly Ballyheane. Castlebar 087 2654747

“With the arrival of the Connacht and Munster rugby teams, their management and supporters in Castlebar this Saturday, I expect a vibrant, carnival-like atmosphere throughout the town.

Jimmy Staunton, president of Connacht Rugby, and Kevin McGing, president of Castlebar Rugby Club pictured with Connacht rugby players Byron Rolston and Ben Murphy at an event in Bank Of Ireland, Castlebar which brought players to meet customers and school students as part of the Bank of Ireland partnership with Connacht Rugby. Photo: Alison Laredo

“Already, flags, bunting and signage are visible in shops, homes, and along approach roads, signalling the sense of excitement and anticipation building ahead of the weekend.”

Local children joining in the celebrations ahead of tomorrow's game. Photo by Michael Donnelly Ballyheane. Castlebar 087 2654747

For the first time ever, Connacht will host Munster in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Hastings Insurance Mc Hale Park tomorrow at 2.30 p.m.

With their home ground currently under redevelopment, Connacht will play their designated home fixture at the 25,000-seater stadium in Castlebar.

Raffle winner Zoe Scully with her brother Sam and dad Ger pictured with Connacht rugby players Byron Rolston and Ben Murphy at an event in Bank Of Ireland, Castlebar which brought players to meet customers and school students as part of the Bank of Ireland partnership with Connacht Rugby. Photo: Alison Laredo

Tickets sold out in record time earlier this year, underlining the scale of interest.

“This is a fantastic occasion for rugby fans and an economic win for Castlebar and Mayo,” Minister Dillon continued.

Local schoolchildren enjoying a special pre-match day at the Mall, Castlebar. Photo by Michael Donnelly Ballyheane. Castlebar 087 2654747

“Local restaurants, bars, hotels and B&Bs are already seeing the positive impact of this major sporting event.

Raffle winner Gerry Murphy with Connacht rugby players Byron Rolston and Ben Murphy at an event in Bank Of Ireland, Castlebar which brought players to meet customers and school students as part of the Bank of Ireland partnership with Connacht Rugby. Photo: Alison Laredo

"I commend the collaboration between the GAA and Irish Rugby in making this happen. Opening up McHale Park to other sports is a welcome and progressive development.”

Councillor Donna Sheridan, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Munincipal District, being presented with a rugby ball by Jimmy Staunton, president, Connacht Rugby, as members of Mayo Sports Partnership and Connacht Rugby look on. Photo by Michael Donnelly Ballyheane. Castlebar 087 2654747

Minister Dillon has previously advocated for the opening of Hastings McHale Park and the multi-use of major sports venues across the region and welcomed the swift co-operation that led to this landmark fixture being hosted in Castlebar.

“This is a significant step forward,” he said.

Raffle winner Deborah O'Hara with Connacht rugby players Byron Rolston and Ben Murphy at an event in Bank Of Ireland, Castlebar which brought players to meet customers and school students as part of the Bank of Ireland partnership with Connacht Rugby. Photo: Alison Laredo

“It highlights the versatility and appeal of Mc Hale Park Castlebar and Mayo as a destination for large-scale events. I’ve no doubt it will pave the way for further high-profile fixtures, music events and sports tourism opportunities in the future.”

Emphasising the economic value of sports tourism, Minister Dillon noted: “Sport is a major driver of economic activity in Mayo.

Castlebar Chamber of Commerce president Anne Conlon with Connaacht rugby players Ben Murphy and Bryon Rolston at an event in Bank Of Ireland, Castlebar which brought players to meet customers and school students as part of the Bank of Ireland partnership with Connacht Rugby. Photo: Alison Laredo

"Events like this generate significant revenue for local businesses through spending on accommodation, food, transport, and other services not just in Castlebar, but also surrounding towns.

"Like Westport, Claremorris and Ballina as visitors travel across the region to enjoy local hospitality.

Raffle winner Conor Doherty with Connacht rugby players Byron Rolston and Ben Murphy at an event in Bank Of Ireland, Castlebar which brought players to meet customers and school students as part of the Bank of Ireland partnership with Connacht Rugby. Photo: Alison Laredo

"A recent study estimates sports tourism contributes approximately €7.5 million annually to the Castlebar economy, with the overall impact of sport in Mayo reaching up to €30 million each year. Tomorrow's game will only enhance this contribution."

Great excitement on the Mall in Castlebar ahead of the historic rugby clash at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in the town tomorrow. Photo by Michael Donnelly Ballyheane. Castlebar 087 2654747
Jimmy Staunton, president, Connacht Rugby, with Councillor Donna Sheridan and Councillor Blackie Gavin at the pre-match celebration on The Mall. Photo by Michael Donnelly Ballyheane. Castlebar 087 2654747
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