REVEALED: Connacht rugby confirm URC match in home of Mayo GAA

It has finally been confirmed that Mayo will host the first competitive Connacht rugby match since the start of the professional era. 

Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar – the home of Mayo GAA – will host Connacht’s BKT United Rugby Championship interprovincial clash with Munster on Saturday, March 29, with kick-off at 2.30 pm.

“In what will be a historic sporting occasion for the province of Connacht, Mayo will host a competitive Connacht Rugby fixture for the first time in the professional era, and will provide supporters from all five counties with a unique opportunity to attend a vital URC fixture in the heart of the province,” Connacht said in a press statement. 

Connacht Rugby CEO and Ballina native Willie Ruane, said: “This promises to be not only a great occasion for Connacht Rugby supporters but also for the very many people all across the province who love sport more generally, whatever the code.

We are very proud to represent the province of Connacht, from the four corners of the five counties, and this fixture provides us with a great opportunity to demonstrate that, in bringing a fixture of this significance out to the heart of the province.

I want to thank and commend Mayo GAA for the extremely positive and collaborative manner in which they have engaged with us, and in ultimately agreeing to allow us play in the great facility that is Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.

I would also like to say a special thank you to Dexcom, Intersport Elverys, and all our official partners. The reality is that without their cooperation and support, this event could simply not have happened. It’s now our job here at Connacht Rugby to deliver an event befitting of the occasion, and everyone at the club looks forward to making this a day to truly remember.”

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins said he is ‘incredibly excited’ about the prospect of playing in MacHale Park

“March 29, 2025, is a day that we are already looking forward to and it’ll be a privilege to play a part in it. We are proud to represent the whole province of Connacht, and we look forward to sharing this great occasion with our existing supporters and getting out to meet many more new supporters from all across the province.”

Connacht captain Cian Prendergast said: “All the players were absolutely delighted when told the news. The opportunity to play in front of a massive home crowd, in the heart of the province, is something to really look forward to. Today’s announcement is a massive boost for what will be a really important game for us, at a crunch time in the season. Our supporters are amongst the best there are, and we know the passion that the people of Mayo, and Connacht more widely, show every time they support their teams, whatever the code or colour of the jersey. We will be doing everything we can to feed off and match that passion in the performance we deliver on the day.”

Tickets for the game will go on general sale on Monday January 13, with early access from Friday January 10 for those who register their interest at connachtrugby.ie/castlebar.

Tickets start from just €20 for an adult, €15 for a young adult/senior, and €5 for juniors, while all season tickets will be valid for the game. Full details can be found below, and the club have released an extensive FAQs which can be found at connachtrugby.ie.

 Connacht Rugby have communicated the following ticket information:

Season Tickets

All 2024/25 season tickets will be valid for the game, and on Wednesday, January 8, ticket holders will be provided with an exclusive pre-sale window to both secure the best spot in the ground and purchase additional tickets before they go on general sale. 

Match Tickets

Tickets go on general sale on Monday January 13, with early access from Friday, January 10, for those who register their interest at connachtrugby.ie/castlebar.

An adult general admission ticket for the three uncovered stands will cost just €20 (unreserved seating), while a reserved seat in the Main Stand will be priced at just €25.

Young Adult (16-21) and Senior (65+) tickets will also be available, costing just €15 each in the uncovered stands and €20 in the Main Stand. Junior tickets (Under 16s) will be priced at just €5 for all areas.

Finally, group bookings discounts for 10+ tickets are also available and can be purchased by emailing info@connachtrugby.ie from January 13, 2025.

Key Dates

Monday, December 23: Supporters can register their interest at connachtrugby.ie/castlebar.

Wednesday, January 8: Priority window opens for Season Ticket holders to select seats and buy extra tickets.

Friday, January 10: Tickets go on sale to those who register interest.

Monday, January 13: Tickets go on general sale.

Saturday, March 29: Connacht v Munster play in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.