Knock On

The Connacht Branch officials and professional staff will be proud of their work over the past 12 months or so in developing the new gym at the Sportsground, which was officially opened by IRFU President John Lyons at a ceremony on Sunday evening.

Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly presided over the event and reserved special mention for Frank Fahey TD who helped secure government funding and Jimmy Staunton of Elverys sports who sponsored the new equipment in the superb new facility which will be used by all Connacht squads as well as academy players.

A big word of gratitude was also reserved for current fitness advisor Kevin Cradock and former advisor Des Ryan for their work in getting the plan off the ground. Cradock, a native of Headford, was particularly singled out for having worked in earnest on the project for two years, playing a key role in the design of the new building ensuring it meets all the needs of a professional rugby team.

Connacht Branch president Michael Grealish was also highlighted for his work in fundraising efforts for the project and the OLBC man tanked all dignitaries and IRFU representatives for attending the opening in his own speech.

The new facilities will be a huge boost to rugby in the west and far outstrips anything in the other provinces. It is also envisaged that the facilities will be open for use on regular evenings for other sporting teams in the region and Kelly was keen to point out to IRFU representatives that the venue would be an ideal training base for Irish international squads in the future.