Connacht Rugby - Galway Sportsground

Galway Sportsground

The historical home of Connacht Rugby since the late 1920s, the Galway Sportsground (or "the Sportsground" as it's known locally) is also well known as a charmingly spartan and inhospitable venue for many visiting teams especially in the depth of an Irish winter. In an age of gleaming Cathedrals of Sport and despite some modest development the Sportsground harks back to an era before professional Rugby. As the ground itself is actually owned by a third party "The Galway Agricultural & Sports Society Ltd." and leased to both Connacht Rugby & the Irish Greyhound Board. Due primarily to this issue the development of the ground has over the years lagged some way behind the home grounds of the other Irish provinces, who with the IRFU's benevolence have forged ahead in implementing modern facilities for both visiting teams, corporate guests and Supporters alike and benefitting financially from the increased revenue streams. This extra revenue has allowed them to recruit blue chip players from abroad further boosting attendances and widening the gap between the other provinces and Connacht.