Priority number one for Connacht in Castlebar today is five points, but everyone connected to the province is acutely aware of the wider picture.
Hastings Insurance MacHale Park is the venue for Munster's novel visit to Mayo, a crucial encounter given six places, yet only three points, separate the teams in the BKT United Rugby Championship with the play-offs looming on the horizon.
There is of course a broader significance to the men in green moving some 75km north to spread their wings, something not lost on coaches or players alike.
Friday’s captain’s run was a first run-out on GAA soil, while a visit from Mayo football manager Kevin McStay has welcomed the squad to their new surroundings.
"He told us about the place, but the main thing was the welcome here (Castlebar), that it was our home for the day," second row Joe Joyce told RTÉ Sport.
"We felt the passion from him and left the meeting ready to play then."
Excitement is building in Castlebar ahead of the first URC game to be played at MacHale Park, between hosts Connacht and Munster tomorrow, reports @patmcgrath #URC pic.twitter.com/ffmsLkYObh
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 28, 2025
Amid a frenzy of interest, the last remaining tickets went on general sale and were immediately snapped up back in January. With more than 25,000 set to come through the turnstiles this afternoon, it smashes the previous record of 9,120 that witnessed the province’s first-ever Champions Cup tie, a 36-10 defeat to Toulouse in 2011.
For Cullie Tucker, deputising for head coach Pete Wilkins who remains on sick leave, Castlebar holds a place close to his heart. His first role back in 2015 involved working with the local club, where enduring friendships were formed, and reconnected since the fixture was announced.
Matters on the pitch have been the focus of his attention, yet the occasion carries arguably greater significance off it.
"You can come to MacHale Park, you can move out of Dexcom, but the buy-in of the people from the provinces has been outstanding, far and wide throughout the five counties," he said.
"That’s what is going to make it special, to make it the occasion it is. We can’t wait to get on the pitch."
Second row Joyce, who left his hometown club Bristol to join the westerners, is itching to get going in front of a full house.
He has sampled a GAA ground once before – his mother Breda’s parents are from Thurles and he attended a Munster hurling championship game as a child – and says the anticipation has been building all week.
"There’s a big buzz, but with that comes a big responsibility," he said. "Everyone wants to play, so everyone picked for tomorrow has a job to do.
"We represent such a big province, the opportunity to have a game here. We understand that people that aren’t able to get down to the Dexcom often will be here. We need to make it a special occasion for them.
"We want to put in a big performance."
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