Hundreds of local schoolchildren have been participating in a rugby camp in the centre of Castlebar, Co Mayo, as the town prepares to host tomorrow's URC derby between Connacht and Munster.
The game will be played at MacHale Park, the headquarters of Mayo GAA. It's the first time the facility has been used for a rugby match.
The fixture sold out quickly and more than 26,000 spectators are expected to attend tomorrow afternoon, making it by far the largest home crowd in the history of Connacht Rugby.
An event jointly organised by the province and Mayo Sports Partnership attracted pupils from more than ten schools around Castlebar to the town's Mall for today's camp.
Participants got the chance to try out rugby, learn about the history of the game and meet the team mascot, Eddie the Eagle.
Charlie Lambert of Mayo Sports Partnership said the weekend fixture provided a perfect springboard to emphasise the importance of sport and the manner in which regular exercise can benefit young people.
He said the carnival atmosphere around the town had built up a great buzz for those taking part in today's activities.
Lyndon Jones from Connacht Rugby said the Castlebar visit was of huge importance for the province and showed the appetite for rugby across the region.
Local businesses and Council crews have spent the week preparing for the tie.
Flags and bunting festoon many premises and the Cathaoirleach of the Castlebar Municipal District, Donna Sheridan, said the clash gave the town a wonderful opportunity to showcase what it has to offer, in a celebratory atmosphere.
Tomorrow's sell out game gets under way at 2:30pm and will be broadcast live on TG4.
