John O'Sullivan wrote for Connemara RFC last season in the Roots&All project...now he'll be keeping us updated on Connacht's 2012/13 campaign.
Let us, just for a moment, cast our minds back to January 23rd, 2003. Connacht fans arranged a protest at the IRFU's headquarters to try and reverse the IRFU's prospective plan to shut down the Western province.
Now, in 2012, one would doubt that any of those fans, who marched passionately throughout the nation’s capital, would believe that their beloved Connacht would be playing Heineken Cup rugby in successive seasons.
Despite the fact that both Connacht's Heineken Cup qualifications have come due to Leinster winning the very competition, attendances and participation in the province is blooming. In fact, last season, Connacht's season ticket sales raised a staggering 600% from the previous season. Before the beginning of last season’s Heineken Cup, Connacht were mooted as prospective whipping boys, but Harlequins, Toulouse and Gloucester will tell you a different story. Connacht performed admirably in a tight group; beating Quins in Galway, nearly winning away to both Quins and Gloucester and performing admirably home and away against European heavyweights Toulouse.
Next season’s draw is similarly difficult for Connacht. They will face new Italian franchise Zebre, French giants Biarritz, as well as renewing rivalries with Harlequins. Yet, Connacht will be confident of more shocks next season. Connacht will not fear Conor O’Shea’s side, nor will they fear Biarritz, particularly away from home where the French side’s record is flaky to say the least. Zebre should not be underestimated, but Connacht know that if they play to their potential they could dispose of the new Italian franchise.
On the back of an (all things considered) successful Heineken Cup campaign last season; Connacht have laid solid foundations for next seasons European assault. The signing of veteran fly half Dan Parks will, they hope, edge Connacht over the line in tight games. Jason Harris Wright, Nathan White and Willie Faloon should provide competition and quality in Connacht's pack; particularly Faloon, who is a rarity in Irish rugby: a natural 7.
The new additions should nicely benefit Connacht's young talented players, of which there are many. Indeed, youngsters Tiernan O'Halloran, Eoin Griffin and Eoin McKeown, all Galway men, will be hoping to get more exposure in next seasons Heineken Cup. The aforementioned trio, are exciting prospects and many fans are of the opinion that they will grace the green of Ireland, as well as that of Connacht.
Connacht have also entered, for the first time, the British and Irish Cup. The B&I Cup, as it’s also known, will provide much needed exposure and minutes for young players. Entry to the competition is a mark of how much Connacht have progressed in recent seasons.
So, with the new season on the horizon, I, as well as most Connacht fans, am confident of more progress out west.
I’m John O’Sullivan, 20. Part time student, full time sports nut. Crazily addicted to Liverpool F.C. My forte is obscure sporting facts. For example, not many people seem to know that Alfredo Di Stefano had an Irish grandmother. Love rugby and am currently the PRO of Connemara R.F.C. I also do some radio work for my local radio station. One day, I would love to be a Sports Journalist/Broadcaster. I would like to thank Jeff for giving me the chance to cover my beloved Connacht on ‘Harpin2’ Looking forward to a great season!
© JL Pagano 2012
