By Connacht Rugby
July 22 2011

The improvement works in the Sportsground, which include the covering of the East terrace and erection of a 300+ seater covered stand on the West side will mean the College Road venue will not be available for the clash with Exeter Chiefs on August the 13th. This game has now been moved to Dubarry Park in Athlone, with a kick off time of 5.30pm.

The home of Buccaneers RFC, Dubarry Park has been invested in heavily over the last number of years with the installation on TV quality floodlights and upgrading of the main pitch to international standards. Dubarry is now the home of the Ireland U20 side and has hosted a number of high profile matches including recent clashes against South Africa, Wales and England.

Speaking about the switch of venue head coach Eric Elwood said:

“Our first match this season against the Exeter Chiefs was initially planned to be played in the Sportsground but with the redevelopment work that’s going on at the moment that’s not going to be possible so the game is scheduled for Dubarry Park in Athlone. It provides us with a great opportunity to get out and around the province and engage with our supporters.

The Chiefs are very similar club to ourselves, last season was their first in the Premiership and like us they will hope to build on the good work they put in last year. This will be the first chance supporters will have to see the new squad play together and also the first opportunity for the players to impress the coaches so everyone’s really excited.”

The newly formed Connacht Rugby Supporters Club will be helping with travel arrangements to and from the game and more details will be announced shortly.

Ireland U20's in action against Italy U20 at Dubarry Park

Work continues on the all new covered Clan Terrace

Preparing the ground for the support pillars that will keep the roof in place

Connacht move Exeter game to Dubarry Park

Discussion started by Connacht Rugby Supporters (IP Logged), 22/07/2011 15:21

Connacht Rugby Supporters
22/07/2011 15:21

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connolly
22/07/2011 16:20

Really don't agree with this. I could think of a few different locations that are actually in connacht

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packie
22/07/2011 16:42

Quote:

connolly
Really don't agree with this. I could think of a few different locations that are actually in connacht

EDIT: not going to bother



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:22:16:43:36 by packie.

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ummm,
22/07/2011 17:03

Perfect idea. We've done the Dubarry Park thing before and while it wasn't a raging success it brought the gospel of Connacht outside of Galway. With heightened interest this year it's a smart move.

Preseason games are the perfect time for this to happen. Galway, and the true stadium/home of Connacht rugby gets the important games and the preseason is treated a bit like a roadshow. Not a bad idea at all.

Bit tough on any Chiefs fans who were looking forward to a weekend in Galway though.

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Borders no.2
22/07/2011 17:49

Quote:

ummm,
Perfect idea. We've done the Dubarry Park thing before and while it wasn't a raging success it brought the gospel of Connacht outside of Galway. With heightened interest this year it's a smart move.
Preseason games are the perfect time for this to happen. Galway, and the true stadium/home of Connacht rugby gets the important games and the preseason is treated a bit like a roadshow. Not a bad idea at all.

Bit tough on any Chiefs fans who were looking forward to a weekend in Galway though.

Agree with all that. Makes sense. Too much h&s concerns about playing in the Sportsground. Its better they are left at the terrace and do a right job. Good idea but should have been announced earlier. As a gesture I think any Exeter fan(who proves credentials) should be transported to and from the game for free. Its no major extra cost and would be good publicity for Connacht.

France v Ireland wc warmup on that evening may affect attendance.

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Sea_point
23/07/2011 19:44

Quote:

Borders no.2

Quote:

ummm,
Perfect idea. We've done the Dubarry Park thing before and while it wasn't a raging success it brought the gospel of Connacht outside of Galway. With heightened interest this year it's a smart move.
Preseason games are the perfect time for this to happen. Galway, and the true stadium/home of Connacht rugby gets the important games and the preseason is treated a bit like a roadshow. Not a bad idea at all.

Bit tough on any Chiefs fans who were looking forward to a weekend in Galway though.

Agree with all that. Makes sense. Too much h&s concerns about playing in the Sportsground. Its better they are left at the terrace and do a right job. Good idea but should have been announced earlier. As a gesture I think any Exeter fan(who proves credentials) should be transported to and from the game for free. Its no major extra cost and would be good publicity for Connacht.

France v Ireland wc warmup on that evening may affect attendance.

Agreed, it would make sense if fights/accommodation are already locked in....

===============================================
I see the future, and it's Green again...

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RogueXV
25/07/2011 17:57

Quote:

S_P said
Agreed, it would make sense if fights/accommodation are already locked in....

Hadn't realised that much animosity had built up between both sets of supporters already.

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