Rugby fans to enjoy pints for Connacht game at home of Mayo GAA

Mayo rugby fans attending the historic Connacht v Munster rugby game in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park at the end of March will be able to enjoy a pint after a licence was granted to serve alcohol.

An application for an occasional licence to serve alcohol at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar on March 29 was granted by Judge Fiona Lydon in Castlebar District Court on Tuesday.

The much-awaited historic URC clash between Connacht and Munster will be the first rugby match to be played at the home of Mayo GAA. As a result of the successful application, the 25,000 fans expected at the sell-out game will now be able to purchase alcohol during the game.

READ: Mayo U-20s begin Connacht campaign with win over Roscommon

Sinéad O'Hara, the Event Controller with Connacht Rugby gave evidence at a recent sitting of Achill District Court that four pop-up bars organised in conjunction with Heineken will be in operation at the four corners of the ground while one of the tuck shops underneath the main stand will also be converted into a bar with another bar in a VIP area.

She explained that a number of volunteer stewards associated with Mayo GAA will be on duty at the ground along with Connacht Rugby's own security team whom they have worked with for the last six years.

Ms O'Hara added that they have been liasoning with Inspector Thomasina McHale in Castlebar Garda Station in the lead up to the game. She said local gardaí have set out conditions for the serving of alcohol at the game and they are happy to comply with them.

The application was adjourned to Tuesday's sitting of Castlebar District Court for production of legal documents before the licence could be granted. Ms Augusta Tuohy, solicitor making the application, told Judge Lydon that all documents were before the court and in order and there was no Garda objection to the application.

As a result, Judge Lydon granted the application and wished the organisers the very best with the event.