M A G A Z I N E
we’ll have live music and hospitality events. We want to provide an excellent matchday experience.” Grassroots to Green Shirts Connacht Rugby’s Grassroots to Green Shirts philosophy is about delivering on the ambitions of the people who founded the club in 1885 and their belief that rugby would add value to their community. “We strive to make a positive impact within our communities, to be able to grow the game, to make this a sustainable club and also to inspire communities beyond the boundaries of rugby whenever possible,” says Gavin. “Every member of staff including the pro team players and management is behind that vision. The club is far bigger than just the pro team. It’s really important to us that we engage with clubs and communities right across the province.” This community engagement was demonstrated when the team returned home after lifting the PRO14 trophy in Edinburgh in 2016. Gavin says, “Coming back from Knock Airport, the welcome we got at half one in the morning was incredible. There were bonfires on the side of the road. More than 15,000 people welcomed the team home the following day. It was something else, an incredible occasion. “Following on from the win, season ticket sales shot up by 45 per cent in 2016-17, remaining up in 2017-18. Those fans came on board, enjoyed the experience, and bought into what we were doing. “But it’s about much more than just rugby,” says Gavin. “We believe we have an opportunity to represent everything that is great about Connacht, as a people and as a place.”
UK 0800 38 24 38 ROI 1800 74 78 35 www.pirtek.eu
19
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker