Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

The figure I gave was 15k/16k, as 'closer' to the Kingspan 18k, not that actual number.

And why not buy the dogs out? Too late now but they'll be gone within a decade.

Id love to agree the dogs will be gone shortly but there is no political will to make that happen.

The greyhound board get more direct funding from central government than the GAA, FAI and IRFU combined. You don't get that funding without somewhere to run them and, I think I remember reading, that shelbourne park and the sports ground are the only two tracks that don't lose money so can't see them cutting it anytime soon.

from WIKIPEDIA (not an entirely dependable source)

'In March 1998, the track was converted to sand from grass but the owners and breeders were frustrated at the funding levels by the Bord na gCon.

In 2003, the track was subject to a major renovation project that cost the Bord na gCon €6 million.

In recent years the stadium has raced on the Friday and Saturday evenings and was also subject to criticism over attendance figures, which were distorted by TV requirements.'

So a State funded organisation spent 6 million euro in 2003. What would be the equivalent cost in 2025 ?.

Now the State is putting 20 million into The Sportsground.

Not sure about the value proposition at all. But, hey, this is where we are.

When done up it's more than enough for what Connacht need. A proper main stand with seated areas, better corporate area with pitch views.

They couldn't get rid of the dogs. The galway track is one of the busier/more successful tracks. Alog with shelbourne tho some of the very small tracks also operate off small operational profits even though feck all attend live racing in them

It really shouldn't be closer to ravenhills capacity. Compare ulsters population to connachts for one.

2 of the top 30 players? Who? Aki and ....

And I'm not sure about Aki.

Aki in the World top 5 in 2023. Hansen always polls highly.

The moving of the game and subsequent sell out should be rightly applauded and encouraged. Hopefully it will be repeated.

Agreed. Even if they repeated this same fixture this time next year to less demand (12k+) in a non-Galway venue for a game or two then McHale in March 2025 would be worth it as a stepping stone of realisation (apologies).

I think what will realistically end up happening is Connacht will try pre-season games against top teams. If a top 14 or English side knew they'd get 10k it'd surely attract them.

Aki still top 30 worldwide (minimun) in every poll for 2024.

Hansen therefore unworthy of a Six Nations squad place? And thus clearly no chance of making the Lions squad.

.

Aki, Bealham, Blade, Hansen, and Prendergast all part of the squad and Forde and Ben Murphy in as development players

No I didn't say that.

And I don't think he should make the Lions on his form so far this season. There are other wingers playing better. Now he could have a fantastic 6 Nations and in that case he'll probably get picked for the Lions.

That away match in Glasgow looking a hell of a lot harder now than it already would have been. Down to third choice 9 and 12.

Unfortunately looks like Gavin won’t be back in time. Would have been a good chance for himself and Matthew Devine to stake a claim. Could we see a John Devine debut? More than likely will see Hawkshaw there.

Delighted to see Forde and Murphy in as development players and very surprised to see Blade made the squad.

You stated that AFTER I pointed out that he’d definitely make the Six Nations squad and probably the Lions. Your backtracking is obvious unless you go back and edit your posts.
To believe he’s not in the top 30 players is pretty dumbfounding.

And to answer your question I believe he’s in sufficient form for both the Irish and Lions squad. He gives options to both sides that no one else does. As will be shown over the next six months. He’ll be in Australia.

Hansen was on fire in 2023, he obviously took the pre-RWC conditioning very seriously and entered the tournament in incredible shape. He was notably leaner and faster than previously. He maintained that form for us after the tournament, until he got injured. He hasn't been at his best this season. It's hard to know if it's the residual effect of the injury, or if the quality of the Connacht pre season wasn't as good as the Ireland pre season the year before, but he just doesn't look as sharp currently. No doubting he'll come back into form though, it doesn't help that he's playing for two teams performing below their potential in attack, which makes it harder for him to play his game.